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At the beginning of the 21st century the welfare state is facing new challenges such as the globalisation of the economy, an aging population and large-scale socio-cultural multiformity. The Wetenschappelijke Raad voor het Regeringsbeleid (WRR, Scientific Government Policy Council) has published a report on the best stra-tegy for the welfare state to adopt in dealing with these challenges.

The main message of De verzorgingststaat herwogen. Over verzorgen, verzekeren, verheffen en verbinden (The welfare state reconsidered. On care, insurance, improvement and connection) is that the focus of policy needs to shift. Historically the welfare state has had four functions: care, insurance, improvement and connection. More recently most of the focus has been on care and insurance. The wrr advocates more concentration on improvement and connection than has been the case up to now.

Peter van Lieshout, member of the WRR, and Anton Hemerijck, secretary of the  and Professor of Comparative Analysis of the European Welfare State at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, will offer an explanation of the report. Frank Vandenbroucke, Flemish minister of Employment, Education and Training will take a closer look at the need for urgent reform of the Belgian welfare state.

Moderator is Knack Magazine's editor-in-chief Karl Van Den Broeck.