Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee has endorsed the provisional agreement with EU governments on updated rules for the coordination of social security systems by 47 votes in favour and 3 against, with 4 abstentions.

If formally adopted by Parliament and Council, the deal will introduce clearer criteria for determining which country’s social security legislation applies. It should also foster cooperation between member states, so that the necessary information is shared promptly, to help identify errors or fraud, including abusive practices, such as letterbox companies.

Unemployment benefits

The agreement clarifies how periods of work, self-employment, or insurance cover completed in different member states are counted when assessing entitlement to unemployment benefits. The member state where a person last worked or was insured will be responsible if the person was active there for at least one uninterrupted month.

People who go to another EU country to look for…