Van Lancker (PSE). – (NL) Madam President, Commissioner, thank you for this important Regulation. I should also like to thank the rapporteur for the fast and flexible work and, above all, for the excellent cooperation with the political groups. I am also indebted to the Council for its positive attitude in this matter. Commissioner, we are really witnessing a small miracle here: a Regulation that has to be approved by the Council unanimously in codecision with Parliament, the procedure of which is completed within the space of one reading. I do not think that this has ever happened before in this Parliament. Yet, the Regulation we are discussing today is very important, as it considerably enhances, in two ways, the rights of citizens who utilise the right to free movement of persons.

First of all, from now on, everyone will enjoy the same rights to essential medical care, which is a vast improvement for a huge number of people. So far, students and retired people have been entitled to medical care in the Member States in which they reside, if required, while employees and their families can only obtain essential care in those countries. This discrimination has therefore now been lifted.

Secondly, the procedures will also become much simpler for the public. At present, persons residing in a different Member State must take their E111 forms to the local health insurance fund, whereupon they obtain new forms, and only then can they visit the GP or dentist. This is hopelessly complicated. At least now, they are allowed to go to the care-provider directly. That too is a vast improvement.

Commissioner, I am also pleased that the Council and Commission have agreed to the principle of Member States having to inform their citizens about their entitlements to health care, for these are naturally not unlimited.

Finally, Commissioner, I share the hope of my fellow MEPs that this Regulation will indeed be a important new step towards the introduction of a general European Health Insurance Card which will provide ready access to health care throughout Europe for all insured Europeans who enjoy rights of residence.