Employed persons from the EU enjoy the so-called freedom of movement for workers in all states of the European Union. This applies in all member states of the EU. It is a core component of the law of the Union, which is equally binding for all states.
With this right, every EU citizen has the right or the right to. the possibility of taking up and exercising an occupation completely independent of his place of residence, as a member of the state has the possibility of doing so.
This means that if there is no difference in treatment of employees and employers based on nationality in the country concerned, which would affect access to employment, the possibility to work can be exercised.
In which way does the mobility of workers affect the social systems of the EU member states? A large majority of EU citizens who go to another country want to work there. This is to ensure the free movement of workers.
Their employment rate is, with 68% on average, higher than the employment in the respective country. This is only 65.
In the majority of EU member states, EU citizens contribute to the social system of the EU member state in their capacity as net payers. From them is paid more in taxes and social contributions than they receive for amounts through benefits.
Advantages which the free movement of workers brings
The free movement of workers benefits both the people concerned and the economic systems in the respective EU member states. Because a shortage of labor can be compensated for more quickly in this way is the job market abroad or. EU foreign countries often in demand!
It also helps German companies. Because in view of the aging population and the shortage of skilled workers, skilled workers from abroad are partly an important part of the economy. In the EU, despite the economic crisis, ca. Two million jobs not filled.
What does the free movement of European personnel mean??
Surveys could show that 56% of EU citizens consider the free movement of workers to be the greatest achievement the EU has had so far.
The percentage of people in Germany who are of this opinion is as high as 66 %.
Who is entitled to social assistance under EU law
Under EU law, it is clearly regulated that there is a right to free movement, but not a right to immigrate to national social systems. Special protections apply to EU citizens who are not gainfully employed. Who may receive social assistance within EU countries? And what protections apply this regarding?
In principle, the following rule applies: in order to receive social benefits, EU citizens must either work in an EU member state or have their permanent member state in an EU country. During the first three months, the EU member state is not obliged to provide social assistance to people who have entered the country.
From a period of three months to 5 years, EU citizens who are not gainfully employed have hardly any claim to social benefits within the EU.Because before the right of residence was recognized, you had to prove to the competent authorities that you had sufficient financial resources of your own.
In case of deterioration of their financial situation after entering an EU country, protective measures concerning the receipt of social assistance apply.After a period of 5 years, such an EU country immigrant can also apply for social assistance like citizens of the respective country.
Exemptions are not permitted within the EU for this period, but may be invoked in the period prior to this under certain circumstances.
Entitlement to social security benefits
Employees as well as self-employed persons and their family members are insured within the EU countries under the same conditions as the nationals of the EU country.
For citizens who are not employed, the following rule applies:
The Member State of residence is only obliged to provide social security protection if the persons concerned pass a strict test. The latter must provide proof of their connection to the EU member state in question.