Coordination of social security schemes between the European Union and Euromed countries : study

Autores:Carlos García de Cortázar Nebreda, European Economic and Social Committee

Resumen:The European Union (EU) has issued a series of laws (Directives) on the subject of social security and the equal treatment of EU citizens and third-country nationals. Regulations 859/2003 and 1231/2010, which extend Regulations 1408/71 and 883/04 to thirdcountry nationals, have also been adopted. Mediterranean (MED) country nationals in European territory are therefore protected, but without taking the career path of those citizens in their country of origin into account. As a result, to give the right to a retirement pension in a Member State that requires 15 years of contribution periods, for example, the person concerned can add together all the periods paid in European countries. However, any insurance periods that the worker has paid in their own country will not be taken into account. There is no EU rule allowing those periods to be aggregated or added together. The way in which EU social security policy in relation to third-country nationals has been developed is closed and inward-looking, with a distinct lack of reciprocity, bilateralism and mutual recognition. It has never officially negotiated with third countries. The EU may recognise certain rights held by the citizens of MED countries, but those countries have no reason to recognise the same rights for European citizens working there. This study cites several examples of this, which demonstrate the shortcomings that exist and the continuing lack of protection, not only for third-country nationals in Europe, but also for European citizens who work in the MED region. Businesses can also experience significant economic disadvantages that limit their competitiveness