Strasbourg, 21/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted the recommendation for the second reading of the Council's common position, with a view to the adoption of the EP/Council regulation on the co-ordination of social security systems, for which the rapporteur was British Green Jean Lambert. At first reading, the EP had adopted 37 amendments, of which the Commission and the Council agreed to almost all (see EUROPE of 13 March, p.12 and of 6 March, p.11). Among the key points for the EP were issues related to cross-border workers, including: definition of cross-border workers, the principle of equality of treatment, access to family services, medical treatment for family members, specific provisions for retired cross-border workers, co-ordination of social security systems and various provisions of the conventions on double taxation, definition of family, prior authorisations for hospital treatment, and unemployment benefits.
Following its rapporteur, the EP believes that the new version of the regulation 1408/71 is "simpler, more up to date and gives more to the citizens of the EU". As it is applicable to all people who were covered by a social security regime, its coverage is greater. Once it is finished, it will include many more aspects relating to social security. The EP also stressed that the number of exemptions has been reduced, and a principle of correct administration added.