This study analyses the social protection systems in the 13 applicant countries from an economic perspective, focusing on the functioning of the systems and the underlying structures. It looks at the socio-demographic and economic challenges the systems are faced with and the reforms undertaken and planned. The results are intended to enhance knowledge on social protection reform in Central and Eastern Europe, Malta, Turkey and Cyprus. The synthesis report is based on the 13 country studies. The country studies have been drawn up by national research institutes, the synthesis report by a team of social policy researchers from EU member states.