Bastos (PPE-DE), in writing. (PT) Over the course of the years, Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 has undergone many modifications that have rendered it more complicated.

This Regulation must, as a matter of urgency, be brought up to date and simplified, in the context of enlargement and given the need to coordinate social security systems in Member States in order to protect the rights of citizens moving around EU territory. I therefore voted in favour of this recommendation for a second reading regarding the Common Position adopted by the Council.

This Regulation, which applies to all European citizens covered by a social security system in their respective Member States, represents fundamental progress. Coverage is wider, as it applies to all those persons resident in the territory of a second Member State in the same way as their own national systems, thereby also making a major contribution towards social inclusion. All citizens are guaranteed protection when they move around other Member States and are not subject to double taxation. An essential step has been taken, especially with the introduction of the principle of good administration, which will encourage greater cooperation and mutual help between the institutions in Member States, and will enhance the way in which citizens’ requests for information are dealt with.