For over a decade, the ETUC has been working for a revision of the EU Social Security Coordination Regulations to strengthen fair labour mobility for workers.
The revised Regulations pave the way for more legal certainty and stronger tools against fraud and error in cross-border situations. The revision facilitates access to social security for workers when living and working in different EU countries, including unemployment, family and long-term care benefits.
Mandatory prior notification of postings is of particular importance, making sure authorities have the information they need to verify social security coverage, prevent non-genuine postings, and carry out inspections. Digital processes will also improve cross-border cooperation to combat letterbox companies.
ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch said:
„For over a decade this file has been stalled. Today Parliament has brought tangible improvements to the lives of millions of people who work in another EU member state than their own one step closer.
„We salute the work of rapporteur Gaby Bischoff and commend the Cyprus Presidency for its work in facilitating the conclusion of this important piece of legislation. We call on the Council of Ministers and the Irish Presidency to swiftly proceed with the final adoption of this revision.“
ETUC Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Schömann said:
“Mobile workers play a key role for the proper functioning of the EU internal market every day. They need to know their social rights are being protected also when moving across borders. Effective coordination of social security systems is a prerequisite for fair labour mobility in the EU.
“Making prior notification a general rule for employers is a decisive step that will support authorities’ access to information, to ensure posted workers are genuinely covered by social security and to prevent fraud from the outset.
„Social rights are only as strong as their enforcement. The upcoming Fair Labour Mobility Package must further improve the capacities of Member States to tackle fraud and protect mobile workers, including by strengthening the mandate of the European Labour Authority and making sure the European Social Security Pass becomes a veritable enforcement tool.“