EURO-MPs today adopted a package of measures designed to co-ordinate social security systems across the EU.
The so-called '1408/71' report, authored by London's Green Party MEP Jean Lambert and the product of five years of negotiations with member state governments, has been described as 'the single most important piece of social legislation adopted at the European Parliament since 1999'.
Mrs Lambert, who received an ovation from fellow MEPs when the report cleared its second reading at the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, said:
"Today's decision represents the most important step in making freedom of movement within the EU a reality since this parliamentary term began five years ago.
"By tackling the EU's social agenda head on it finally puts the lie to the notion that the Green Party is concerned solely with the environment - and the fact that we were entrusted with this technical and vitally important report demonstrates the high regard in which Greens are held in Europe."
The new regulations, which have already received the unanimous endorsement of EU member governments in the Council of Ministers, simplifies, modernises and extends the scope of EU legislation in place since 1971 - and amended on several occasions.
The new rules will mean more people will be eligible to claim social security payments and receive healthcare treatments in EU countries other than that in which their entitlement was established.
They make it easier for jobseekers to claim unemployment benefits in other EU states - and will allow EU citizens entitled to health care in their own country to benefit from treatment, where medically necessary, whilst staying temporarily in another member state.
ENDS
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