01/04/2019 (Agence Europe) – The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) strongly criticised the Member States' rejection of the Interinstitutional Agreement on the coordination of social security systems on Friday 29 March (see EUROPE 12225/15). "I am shocked that the Member States have such little regard for the fair treatment of their own citizens. I am dismayed and angry that they did not support the agreement, which would strengthen the fight against social security fraud and abuse", said Liina Carr, ETUC Confederal Secretary. On Friday, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Belgium voted against the agreement. Hungary, Malta and Poland abstained. The result did not allow the qualified majority to be reached, leaving the matter in doubt. (PH)