Revised social security regulation aims to improve mobility in Europe

The regulation, which was adopted by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers in September 2009, is designed to provide more and better information, simpler and more efficient procedures, and to broaden the scope of existing social security schemes. The provisions cover anyone who moves to another EU country to settle permanently, work temporarily or study.

Specific programmes include the Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information (EESSI) network, which allows details of calculation and payment of benefits to be passed between member states’ social security institutions electronically.

The measures build on schemes such as the European Health Insurance Card, which is now used by around 180 million EU citizens [1] travelling in other member states. It also guarantees rights for sickness insurance and family benefits, so that citizens are not penalised and are not forced to compromise their health when choosing to reside in a different Member State.

EU provisions in this area have existed for the past 50 years, being revised and updated many times. The last revision came in June 2003, when social security measures were extended to apply to nationals of non-EU countries legally residing in the EU.

Related EPHA articles
 Commission introduction to Patient Safety and Workforce mobility
 European Mobility Week 2008
 Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross-border Healthcare
 EPHA talks cross-border care with Euronews

For further information
 EU Social Security Coordination