The economies of the Baltic States remain very weak. The health and welfare situation of the elderly, particularly the disabled, continues to worsen as the Baltic States reduce their social spending trying to meet the budgetary requirements of the European Union.
Direct compensation payments are made from the Central and Eastern European Fund (CEEF) and the Holocaust Victim Compensation Fund (HVCF). Beginning in January 2013, CEEF payments increased to €300 per month from €260 due to Claims Conference negotiations with the German government, and are now €310. The Claims Conference negotiates on an ongoing basis with the German government to include additional Nazi victims in compensation programs, increase payments, and provide increased funds for social services.
The Claims Conference negotiates on an ongoing basis with the German government to include additional Nazi victims in compensation programs, increase payments, and provide increased funds for social services.
Pensions for the elderly have been reduced across the region, with many payments also made late, and many elderly are forced to choose between medicine and food, as they have no savings to draw from. These expenses, along with utilities, are particularly of concern as inflation continues to rise, making the reduced pensions worth even less.
The Jewish Community of Estonia assisted more than 385 Nazi victims in 2012 with hot lunches, homecare, and medical consultations.
