Simplification of social security coordination rules

22.12.2016

Question for written answer E-009724-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Louis Michel (ALDE)

The Commission has adopted a proposal for a Council regulation with a view to simplifying and reforming Member States’ social security schemes, including the social security entitlements of persons moving within the EU.

The object of this initiative is to facilitate labour mobility, ensure fair treatment both for those who move and for taxpayers, and strengthen the tools for cooperation among authorities in Member States.

To quote the Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility: ‘We need labour mobility to help restore economic growth and competitiveness. But mobility needs to be based on clear, fair and enforceable rules. This is what our proposal to update the EU rules on social security is about: it safeguards free movement and protects workers’ rights, while strengthening the tools to address possible abuse’.

Can the Commission elaborate on the clear and fair rules whereby it will safeguard free movement, and can it say what strategy it will employ in order to prevent this fundamental right from being curtailed?