The Social Security Systems of the Member States of the EU

This book gives an introduction to the social security systems of the fifteen member states of the European Union. It offers the social security expert with some comparative experience the opportunity to place his or her knowledge of (aspects of) foreign social security systems in their broader national context; for others,this introduction will simplify first ventures into the field of comparative social security law. The publication also facilitates the broad comparison of the national systems, by describing them according to a uniform structure. For each country, the following elements are examined: the concept and sources of social security law; the administrative organization; the personal scope of application; the social risks and benefits (subdivided into old age, survivorship, incapacity for work, unemployment, health care and care, family and need); the way of financing social security and the judicial protection. By giving a systematical and short overview of all systems in the European Union, the book will meet a need in and outside Europe.