Issue Vulnerable groups and the adequacy of the social safety net

Summary

Vulnerable groups here span low-income households, older people, people with disabilities, single parents and unemployed youth who need socio-economic protection. Population ageing, changing household structures and a polarised, flexible labour market are narrowing the reach of social insurance and straining public assistance. Persistent pandemic risk, the climate crisis and the shocks of digital transition raise the odds that these groups face life-course crises with few resources. The widening blind spots suggest the safety net must be reviewed for coverage and flexibility, including the application-based principle of welfare delivery. Digital welfare platforms and AI-based tailored support are discussed as openings, but usability, privacy, algorithmic bias and field implementation still limit access, and adequacy, prevention and fiscal sustainability remain open questions.