Social security: nationals of third countries not covered due to their nationality

The Council reached a unanimous partial general approach regarding part of a regulation aimed at implementing Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems and covering chapter III of title IV (financial provisions - recovery of benefits provided but not due, recovery of provisional payments and contributions, offsetting and assistance with recovery).

Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 was the first step in a process aimed at modernising and simplifying EU rules on the coordination of national social security systems. Such rules are intended to allow EU citizens to move freely within Europe, while maintaining their social rights and expectations (health, pensions, unemployment protection, etc.).

The process must be completed by adoption of the implementing regulation, the proposal for which is now under examination. The regulation will replace Regulation (EEC) No 574/72, with provisions designed to strengthen cooperation between national institutions and improve the methods of data exchange.

With regard to the Annexes to Regulation (EC) 883/2004, the Council has agreed on a general approach on a regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems and determining the content of its Annexes. These Annexes are necessary in order to ensure that the particular characteristics of the various systems in the Member States are taken into account.