About: social security

Social security reform postponed until next European Parliament

Deep divisions among MEPs made it clear on Thursday (19 April) that the social security coordination directive, aimed at enforcing the rights of mobile workers, would be postponed for the next European Parliament, after May's EU elections.

Growing number of French shocked by income inequality

A new poll in France has revealed that income inequalities are among the least acceptable social factors. More than 90% of French respondents call for the minimum wage to be raised. EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.

Letter-box companies and coordination of social security systems

Ahead of a vote in the Council on Friday (29 March), which risks derailing the updating of the Regulations on Coordination of Social Security systems, Marek Benio provides some timely insight and advice.

European Parliament brings ‘social Europe’ a step forward

EU social security coordination will make it easier for EU citizens looking for work to seek employment in another member state. EURACTIV France reports.

European Parliament strengthens European social pillar

The European Parliament has been working hard on the EU’s social policy, voting in favour of establishing a “European social watchdog” and coordinating social security systems on 20 November. EURACTIV France reports.

Expert: Basic income experiment did not fail

The Finnish basic income experiment is currently causing a stir, some even declare it has failed. That is not entirely correct but there are important decisions to make in Finland. EURACTIV Germany’s media partner “WirtschaftsWoche” reports.

Let us make freedom of movement fair

On this single issue, David Cameron was right. Member states must have the option to index child benefits to the cost of living where the benefits are paid out, write Morten Loekkegaard and Troels Lund Poulsen.

Juncker is ‘sincerely in favour of social Europe’

Jean-Claude Juncker deserves credit for making social issues a priority for the European Commission, Socialist MEP Maria Joao Rodrigues told EURACTIV.com in an interview.

MEPs reach compromise on posted workers

MEPs adopted the equal pay for equal work principle but the maximum time posted workers are allowed abroad remains unanswered. EURACTIV France reports.

‘Gig economy’ workers deserve more rights, says UK review

Britons working in the "gig economy" for firms such as taxi app Uber and takeaway food courier Deliveroo deserve more rights, a government-commissioned report said on Tuesday (11 July).

Dombrovskis: ‘There is appetite for a pan-European pensions product’

The European Commission will propose a new pan-European personal pension today (29 June). In an interview with journalists, Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis argues that the new scheme would help save more money in an ageing society.

In a new world of work, more of the same is not an option

With non-traditional employment contracts now the new norm I believe it is time to take a fresh approach to the working models of the future, writes Denis Pennel.

How do we help Europe’s young entrepreneurs?

Overly flexible labour markets and poor quality jobs are harming the European economy, not making it more competitive. Restoring the social safety net for entrepreneurs would benefit us all, writes Agnes Jongerius.

Employers’ chief: Juncker won’t admit he is wrong on Posted Workers Directive

The new Posted Workers Directive is not necessary but Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will not admit he is wrong on the new rules, Renate Hornung-Draus, managing director of the Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA), told EURACTIV.cz.

Brussels prepares to overrule Eastern Europe on posted workers directive

The European Commission plans to reject 11 ‘yellow cards’ from the EU’s eastern member states on the new Posted Workers Directive. The debate has exposed a deep East-West divide. EURACTIV France reports.

Lack of social safety net hampers fight against killer diseases

SPECIAL REPORT: Billions of people in developing nations lack the health and social protections that most Europeans take for granted, a gap that experts say harms efforts to reduce poverty and prevent crises like the killer Ebola epidemic in West Africa.

Italy’s prime minister wins labour reform confidence vote

Matteo Renzi won the most important parliamentary confidence vote of his eight-month-old government early on Thursday (8 October), on a labour reform proposal he hopes will boost his EU credentials.

Jobs and social security needed as income inequality widens, UNDP warns

More investment in jobs and social security, and the introduction of laws that offer vulnerable people greater protection, are required to halt the slowing of human development caused by income inequality, fluctuations in food prices, natural disasters and conflict.

Study: EU should back social insurance for poor nations

The European Union could help reduce entrenched poverty by supporting social insurance systems in developing nations, says a new European Parliament study.

EU airline crew, cross-border workers land new social security rights

Airline crew will be eligible to use their ‘home base’ member states for social security purposes under new rules adopted on Wednesday (18 April) by a large majority of the European Parliament.

Professor: ‘Stop paying benefits, start paying companies’

States should transfer their social security payments for the unemployed to companies, so that they can employ the unemployed and maintain skills - even if this would breach trade laws - according to Ton Wilthagen, one of the pioneers in the 1990s of 'flexicurity', a concept that combines job flexibility with security.

Labour market reforms

In the wake of the global financial and economic crises, the EU is developing a new labour market strategy as part of its successor to the 'Lisbon Agenda' for economic, social and environmental reform, which is due to end in 2010. The new roadmap will retain many of the previous ambitions, but will also be shaped by EU leaders' exit strategies.

Official: Belgium’s foreign workers register ‘not aimed at EU’

Limosa, a little-known scheme that requires foreigners to register with social security before heading to Belgium for periods of temporary work, has caused concern in the European district of Brussels. The official behind the scheme, Sarah Scaillet, seeks to clarify the new law in an interview with EURACTIV.

Interview: Belgium’s foreign workers register ‘not aimed at EU’

Limosa, a little-known scheme that requires foreigners to register with social security before heading to Belgium for temporary work, has raised concerns in Brussels EU circles. The official behind the scheme, Sarah Scaillet, seeks to clarify the new law in an interview with EURACTIV.