Yannis Natsis has dedicated his career to advocating for better healthcare and social protection across Europe. Since February 2022, he has held the position of Director of the European Social Insurance Platform (ESIP), which represents 46 statutory social security entities from 18 EU Member States and Switzerland. Holding a strong conviction about the significance of social protection, Yannis considers these entities to be the foundation of Europe’s welfare system.
Prior to joining ESIP, he dedicated more than ten years in Brussels, collaborating closely with public healthcare insurers and interacting with European health policies. His career hit a significant milestone when he was chosen for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Management Board, where he contributed during the difficult COVID-19 pandemic, deepening his knowledge of European health systems.
Yannis actively participates in the European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), an important platform for health policy in Europe, enabling him to combine his insights into the nexus of healthcare, social protection, and the welfare state.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
As Director of ESIP, what is your vision for the organization and its mission in shaping social protection in Europe?
We find ourselves at a critical juncture. Profound and rapid changes are reshaping the landscape—whether it’s the transformation of the world of work, the challenges of digitalization, the climate crisis, strained national budgets, geopolitical shifts, or demographic trends. These forces create an atmosphere of uncertainty.
ESIP’s Members are at the heart of Europe’s social fabric, serving millions of Europeans daily. Their direct interaction with citizens and businesses gives them an unparalleled understanding of the practical implications of policy decisions. Often, what looks good on paper can prove highly problematic in practice. That’s why it’s vital for ESIP to amplify the voices of these institutions and bring their first-hand experience to the attention of European legislators.
The next five years will be pivotal. We must demonstrate that Europe’s welfare states are not just a source of expenditure but a cornerstone of Europe’s competitiveness. Social protection is what sets Europe apart on the global stage. If we start viewing welfare states merely as costs rather than investments, we risk undermining social cohesion—potentially leading to unpredictable political consequences.
My vision is clear: welfare states must be inclusive, productive, and protective. This requires innovation and collaboration, ensuring that social security systems continue to meet the needs of citizens while adapting to a rapidly changing world.
With ESIP representing 46 national statutory social security institutions, how do you manage the diverse needs and perspectives of your member organizations?
It’s true that while social security systems across Europe face similar challenges, they differ significantly in structure, rationale, capacity, priorities, and resources. The strength of ESIP lies in its ability to bring these diverse perspectives together in a spirit of collaboration.
Within ESIP, the “magic” happens through the continuous exchange among national social security experts. Our experts meet regularly to share best practices, coordinate actions, and pool resources and expertise. The role of the Secretariat is to facilitate these interactions while also acting as a bridge between our members and European institutions. Through this dialogue, we provide informed input on legislative initiatives, reflecting the real-world experiences of those working on the ground.
To achieve this, we develop joint positions after extensive rounds of internal deliberation. Reaching consensus isn’t always easy, but I value our members’ proactive engagement above all else. Even when consensus is challenging, I prioritize meaningful, substantive positions over empty compromises.
In the past three years, I’ve seen first-hand how eager policymakers in Brussels are for our members’ input. They recognize the value of social security institutions’ expertise and their direct connection to millions of Europeans.
What do you consider to be the most significant challenges currently facing social security systems across Europe?
The challenges are vast and interconnected. At the forefront are demographics, digital transformation, the evolving labor market with its new types of work and working arrangements, climate change, and the overarching issue of welfare state sustainability. These are the broad headlines, but digging deeper reveals a host of critical issues.
Take, for instance, the aging population and the rising costs associated with long-term care. Or consider the gender dimension in employment and labor markets, which highlights disparities that still need addressing. The excessive prices of pharmaceuticals are another pressing concern, as is the growing rise in inequalities.
Social security systems are deeply embedded in every facet of life. They serve as shock absorbers, providing stability in an era where societal disruptions seem to have become the norm. Put simply, these systems offer certainty and hope in profoundly uncertain times.
The multiple crises we’ve faced in recent years have, I believe, reinforced a vital lesson: social protection is not merely an expense but an investment. It’s an investment in people—one that pays dividends for society as a whole. Europe’s future competitiveness, cohesion, and resilience depend on how well we nurture and adapt our social security systems to meet these challenges.
How are social security institutions addressing the implications of demographic changes, such as an aging population, on social protection systems?
Europe is at a crossroads, grappling with demographic changes, population aging, and the challenges of in-work and old-age poverty. These trends result in a shrinking workforce and an increasing demand for social and healthcare services, putting immense pressure on social security systems.
To address this, a life-cycle approach is essential. This means ensuring adequate and equitable access to benefits and services—ranging from family benefits and childcare to healthcare and pensions—throughout a person’s life. Such an approach can reduce gender inequalities, improve work-life balance, and enhance the sustainability of social protection systems. Moreover, it would yield positive economic outcomes by increasing labor market participation, which in turn boosts social contributions and tax revenues.
In your opinion, what role should the EU play in supporting and coordinating national social security systems to enhance their effectiveness?
The EU can play a pivotal role by fostering mutual learning and the exchange of best practices. For instance, it can help social security organisations address challenges like contribution collection, tackling fraud and undeclared work, and addressing the non-take-up of rights. Promoting the development and use of digital tools is another area where the EU can add value.
Concrete actions could include providing funding opportunities to develop geographically and financially accessible long-term care systems, including home-based care solutions. However, it’s equally important to respect the specificities of national social security systems in all EU-level initiatives. Engaging social security institutions early in the policymaking process ensures that their technical expertise informs practical, workable solutions. This collaborative approach increases the likelihood of successful, pragmatic outcomes.
Can you highlight a recent initiative by ESIP that you are particularly proud of and discuss its potential impact on social protection policies?
One initiative I’m particularly proud of is our coordinated efforts ahead of last year’s European elections. We worked closely with the Council to ensure that social and health policies remained high on the political agenda for the new European legislature.
Another noteworthy effort was our publication of a report on rising pharmaceutical expenditures. In healthcare, ESIP Members strive to provide insured citizens with access to the best possible care, even amid the competing demands on national budgets. Highlighting the issue of pharmaceutical costs is just one way we’ve helped shape the discussion around sustainable healthcare financing.
As a prominent voice in healthcare, what advice would you offer to young professionals aspiring to influence social protection and healthcare policy in Europe?
First and foremost, be prepared for the long haul. Achieving meaningful change takes time, and the path is often challenging. It requires a combination of determination, resilience, and optimism. But the rewards—knowing you’ve contributed to a fairer, more inclusive system that impacts millions of lives—are immeasurable. So, stay committed, stay curious, and never lose sight of the bigger picture.