Two more Flash Reports prepared by ESPN independent experts on recent social policy developments in Europe are now available.

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• Responding to one of the 2014 Country Specific Recommendations, the Czech Ministry of Health launched the “DRG Restart” project in December 2014 which aims to promote and implement a more transparent, effective and fairer hospital care reimbursement system. The current system, referred to as Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG), will be completely redesigned over the next 3 years.
• Since 1 January 2015, Malta is implementing a benefit scheme to support low earners and ensure that their income approaches a “living wage”, i.e. the minimum wage that an individual needs to cover the basic costs of living. The main objective is to encourage people with low incomes to stay in employment (rather than opt for benefits) and to make it attractive for those currently on benefits but working in the black economy to go back to official jobs. The scheme introduces elements of the “living wage” concept without creating a financial burden for employers.

More detailed information on these initiatives in the Flash Reports.