EU Social Security Reform: Parliament Urges Action After 8 Years of Stalemate
- maria tsaousi
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
After nearly a decade of negotiations, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are sending a clear message: it's time to finish the job on reforming how social security systems work across the EU.
In a press statement released on June 13, key MEPs expressed frustration—and determination—regarding the long-awaited update to the EU’s social security coordination rules. These rules help ensure that people who move between EU countries don’t lose access to things like unemployment benefits, healthcare, or pensions. With around 14 million mobile EU citizens, this issue affects a huge number of workers and their families.
A Reform 8 Years in the Making
The European Commission first proposed this reform in 2016 to modernise rules that date back to 2004. Since then, the process has involved 19 trilogue meetings, 18 rotating presidencies, and two provisional agreements—yet no final deal.
Why the delay? While Parliament has pushed forward, negotiations have repeatedly stalled in the Council of the EU, where member states must agree. In both 2019 and 2021, compromise deals were reached but failed to get enough support from national governments.
MEPs Speak Out
Gabriele Bischoff (S&D, Germany), the lead MEP on the file, highlighted the importance of getting this over the finish line. “This reform would bring real progress for 14 million European citizens and cannot be sacrificed easily,” she said. “The deal is within reach, and all parties involved must shoulder their responsibility.”
The updated rules would help make the system fairer and more efficient—not just for workers, but also for employers and national institutions managing benefits. As cross-border work becomes more common, especially with growing numbers of posted workers (employees sent temporarily to work in another EU country), this reform has become even more urgent.
Li Andersson (The Left, Finland), Chair of the Parliament’s Social Affairs and Employment Committee, echoed the sentiment. She called on the current Polish presidency of the Council to resume negotiations and avoid losing momentum. “We urge the Polish presidency to come back to the negotiating table,” she said. If not, she added, Parliament is ready to continue talks with the incoming Danish presidency.
Why This Matters
The reform isn’t just about technical rules—it’s about protecting people’s rights in an increasingly mobile Europe. Without better coordination, workers moving from one EU country to another can face confusion, delays, or gaps in coverage.
It’s also about fairness. The new rules aim to distribute the costs and responsibilities of mobile work more evenly across the EU. That means a better deal not just for individuals, but for national systems too.
What's Next?
Parliament has made it clear: they’re ready to close this file and deliver for European citizens. Now the spotlight is on the Council. With just months left in the current presidency’s term, the pressure is on to act—or pass the baton effectively.
In the words of Bischoff: “European social security coordination needs an update to support free and fair mobility within the EU. All actors involved need to live up to this expectation and deliver for the people in Europe.”
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