The lack of social security coverage for the self-employed has recently attracted significant attention in Europe. Changes in the world of work, including the rising prevalence of platform work, have led to an increasing number of self-employed workers with lower incomes. These trends, together with the COVID-19 pandemic, have shed light on the historically insufficient protection for the self-employed across the region. This article outlines recent developments in social security for the self‑employed in Europe. It complements previous articles on social security for platform workers in Europe and beyond. The article explores approaches aimed at building and maintaining inclusive social security systems that ensure comprehensive coverage, regardless of employment status; reforms or initiatives that address the affordability, adequacy and long-term sustainability of systems; and the simplification of administrative procedures that facilitate participation of self‑employed workers in contributory schemes.

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