Pension funds and their role in the future of the Baltic states' economies
ENPrivate pension funds systems have developed at different paces, and with different structures, in the three Baltic states. In Estonia and Latvia, a three-pillar pension system was established. Lithuania introduced a two-pillar system without mandatory pension saving. The pension funds systems in the Baltic states are in the early stage of development and vary because of differing financial system structures in each country. The Baltic financial sectors are still less developed than the financial sectors of EU countries. Financing in the Baltics is dominated by the banking sector, which is highly concentrated and owned by international financial conglomerates. The Baltic securities sector has been stagnant, even during the recent period of growth. The regulations of the pension funds portfolios in Estonia and Lithuania reflect the situation in the financial market. In Latvia, regulations on pension funds policy reflect a government wish to keep money at home. Banks in these countries are the main power behind the development of the pension funds system. The Baltic countries will become EU members on 1 May 2004. Their future economic, financial and pension funds system will be shaped by EU legislation and the EU integration process.
