Akkoord over sociale zekerheid bij grensoverschrijdende arbeidsmobiliteit (en)

European Union employment ministers agreed yesterday (1 December) on social security legislation, which will make it easier for people to move from one member state to another without losing social security entitlements.

New rules are expected to promote labour mobility among EU member states.

The main idea was to simplify the current complex rules, but also to ensure that the rules apply to all EU citizens who have insurance, including self-employed workers, pensioners, students and non-active persons.

The political agreement at the Employment and Social Affairs Council comes exactly four years after the legislation was proposed by the European Commission. The new legislation is expected to enter into force in 2006.

"It is better adapted to the reality of migrant workers and their families and will help many EU citizens in their daily lives", said Anna Diamantopoulou, Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs.

"It will in very real terms promote labour mobility which is crucial to improving European competitiveness and moving towards full employment in line with the Lisbon strategy", the Commissioner added.

The Lisbon strategy is the EU's goal to become the most competitive economy in the World by 2010.

Under the new rules it will be possible to extend the period during which the job seeker can look for work in another member state from the current three months to six months, says the Commission's statement.

The Commission also hopes that this legislation will help citizens to receive their benefits more quickly.

The new legislation now needs to be approved by the European Parliament.