A provisional agreement on modernised rules to coordinate national social security systems was reached between negotiators from the European Parliament and the Council on Wednesday. The new rules focus on facilitating labour mobility within the EU, while safeguarding workers’ social rights in cross-border situations.
If confirmed, the provisional agreement would update EU rules for unemployment benefits for mobile workers and for the export of unemployment benefits for jobseekers moving to another EU country. It would also clarify rules regarding long-term care and family benefits, and strengthen rules on the coordination and enforcement of social security for posted workers (i.e. sent by their employer to work in another EU country temporarily).
The text also tries to ensure a more equitable distribution of financial burden among EU-countries and provides for strengthened measures to identify and tackle fraud, such as letterbox companies.
Member states would also be able to cooperate better to ensure that workers have social security using a notification system, while employers would be able to access information and complete relevant documents online also via the Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information (EESSI).
Quote
Rapporteur Gabriele Bischoff (S&D, DE) said: “Today is a good day for millions of mobile workers. This reform is long overdue and we have taken an important step forward today on the basis of a difficult but necessary compromise. Nearly ten years after the Commission’s proposal, citizens will benefit from clearer and more predictable rules on the coordination of social security systems, including for unemployment, family and long-term care benefits. At the same time, we are strengthening cooperation between Member States to better prevent abuse and tackle social dumping. Free movement of workers is a fundamental right but it must go hand in hand with fair and enforceable rules.”
Next steps
Both the Parliament and the Council need to adopt the provisional agreement formally before the rules can enter into force.
Background: main principles on coordination of social security systems
- Citizens are covered by the legislation in one country at a time and only pay contributions in one country only.
- All EU citizens have the same rights and obligations independent if they are nationals or from another member state (principle of equal treatment or non-discrimination).
- Previous periods of insurance, work or residence in other countries are taken into account when granting benefits.
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