The Commission will: Present in 2011 a White Paper on Pensions to jointly address sustainability and adequacy of pensions in the post-crisis context. Launch a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on active and healthy ageing in 2011 and support initiatives for active ageing at all levels in the context of a European Year for Active Ageing in 2012. Develop the Voluntary European Quality Framework on social services at sectoral level, including in the field of long-term care and homelessness. Undertake an assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of health expenditure, including in relation to the issues highlighted in the communicat ...[+++]ion on "Solidarity in Health: reducing health inequalities in the EU", Present in 2011 a legislative initiative to ensure access to certain basic banking services and call on the banking sector to submit a self-regulatory initiative geared towards improving the transparency and comparability of bank charges.

The Commission will: Present in 2011 a White Paper on Pensions to jointly address sustainability and adequacy of pensions in the post-crisis context. Launch a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on active and healthy ageing in 2011 and support initiatives for active ageing at all levels in the context of a European Year for Active Ageing in 2012. Develop the Voluntary European Quality Framework on social services at sectoral level, including in the field of long-term care and homelessness. Undertake an assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of health expenditure, including in relation to the issues highlighted in the communicat ...[+++]ion on "Solidarity in Health: reducing health inequalities in the EU", Present in 2011 a legislative initiative to ensure access to certain basic banking services and call on the banking sector to submit a self-regulatory initiative geared towards improving the transparency and comparability of bank charges.

Through earlier diagnosis and intervention it may be possible to delay late-stage progression of the diseases and thus postpone institutionalisation, thereby reducing the high cost of terminal (long-term) care.

Qualitative input and performance indicators, cost effectiveness criteria (eg overheads in proportion to aid going to recipients), and partnership with local populations in managing response particularly in protracted crises, are all elements that the European Union needs to consider carefully to ensure its humanitarian aid is implemented effectively to best serve people in need.