보건복지부 영문홈페이지

Addressing Low Birth Rates, Aging Population,

and Pension Reforms: Sharing France’s Experience

and Discussing Policy Directions

- 1st Vice Minister of Health and Welfare Lee Ki-il holds meetings with key officials

from French institutions on population, family, and pension to discuss cooperation measures -

1st Vice Minister of Health and Welfare Lee Ki-il visited major French institutions on pension, population, and family on February 12–13, 2025, in Paris, prior to attending the OECD Social Policy Ministerial Meeting on Friday, February 14. The visit focused on sharing policy experiences to address low birth rates and aging populations – key concerns for both Korea and France - and to ensure the sustainability of the pension system, while exploring avenues to expand bilateral cooperation.

During his visit, 1st Vice Minister Lee met with Renaud Villard, General Manager of the French National Elderly Insurance Fund; Gilbert Cette, Chair of the Pensions Advisory Council; and Emmanuel Bretin, Secretary-General. They shared insights regarding both countries’ multi-tiered old-age income security systems, past pension reforms in response to demographic changes, and future fiscal outlook.

1st Vice Minister Lee stated, “This visit provided valuable insights into France’s recent pension reforms, including the extension of retirement age, and underscored the crucial role of public trust and social consensus in pension reform.” He added, “We will carefully examine the policy implications derived from experience of France and make every effort to ensure the successful implementation of future pension system reforms.”

Furthermore, 1st Vice Minister Lee met with Hélène Périvier, Chair of the High Council for Family, Childhood and Aging in France, and François Clanché, Director of the French Institute for Demographic Studies (INED), to discuss the impact of France’s policies to address low birth rate, including family allowances and childcare services, on the country’s relatively high total fertility rate (1.68 in 2023), as well as the Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS), a legal framework that provides tax and social security benefits to cohabiting couples as an alternative to marriage.

In addition, he met with Dr. Im Balkne, a Korean researcher based in Paris known for her extensive studies on French family policies, to exchange views on the comparison of family policies between Korea and France, as well as the policy implications for Korea.

1st Vice Minister Lee emphasized, “France’s ability to maintain a relatively high total fertility rate through diverse support measures such as family allowances and PACS provides valuable insights into Korea’s policies addressing low birth rates and an aging society.”

Following his participation in the OECD Social Policy Ministerial Meeting on February 14, 1st Vice Minister Lee will return to Korea. This OECD meeting, co-hosted by Spain and Portugal after a seven-year hiatus, will be held under the theme “New Frontiers for Social Policy: Investing in the Future.” The event will be attended by senior officials from OECD member countries and key international organizations specializing in employment, social policy, and welfare. ///