Marc De Vos sees how all political parties acknowledge the necessity of working longer while the reality on the labour market does not follow, notwithstanding the Generation Pact. The crisis has again put older workers in the firing line.

Demographic, scientific and technological evolutions are increasingly putting financial strain on Belgium’s healthcare system. Both public and private healthcare expenditures are on the rise.

How should we envisage the future of the automotive industry in Flanders?

Belgium is not prepared for ageing. There is no need to panic, however, appropriate immediate action is essential. The red book about pensions evaluates the situation and the evolution of the pensions, and recommends a plan to maintain our pension scheme.

Since we only think about it in times of crisis, Belgium fails in terms of industrial policy. We urgently need to determine the conditions for government support. The Itinera Institute established the 10 commandments for a succesful industrial policy.

Marc De Vos warns about the long run consequences of the anti-crisis policy on the economy and the economic growth. The real economy, more than the financial economy, risks to be drawn again in the afterpain of the Great Recession. The crisis is more important than the crisis self.