Vote of support for Social Security agreement
9 July 2008

Written by Sophie Baker

The European Parliament has voted almost unanimously in favour of a new report supporting individuals who wish to exercise their right to free movement within the EU.

The report, from Green Party MEP for London representative Jean Lambert, concerns the coordination of social security systems between Member States for people living, working or travelling in another Member State. It extends the scope of coordination to all persons covered by social security systems, not just their workers and their families.

Rules are also set out in the report as to how each Member State will deal with various dimensions of social security in respect to cross-border issues and the systems for payments, reimbursements and the settlement of disagreements. The regulation is hoped to develop and encourage the exchange of electronic data, with a view to providing greater speed and accuracy of cross-border communication.

Lambert, who is also co-president of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, said: “I am pleased the Parliament has supported this report, which is essential for facilitating the free movement of citizens within the European Union and the use of the social security systems that exist. This report will not harmonise social security provisions in Member States, as each country decides on its own system, but it will enable the coordination of provision of pensions, benefits and healthcare.”