The European Commission has published a Communication announcing concrete steps to further digitalise the coordination of social security systems in Europe. The proposal aims to improve the flow of information between national social security institutions, expediting the recognition and provision of eligible benefits across European borders.

The Commission's plan includes key measures such as accelerating the implementation of the Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information (EESSI) across Europe by the end of 2024, delivering more online social security coordination procedures, engaging in the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) pilot activities, and working toward the EU Digital Identity (EUDI) wallets to enable citizens to carry digital entitlement documents.

Despite prior efforts to enhance cross-border social security data exchange, challenges persist due to inadequate interoperability between national systems and the associated costs in issuing and verifying entitlement documents.

Why does it matter?

This initiative matters as it will simplify bureaucratic processes for individuals and businesses operating across the EU borders, promoting mobility and facilitating access to social security benefits. The proposal furthermore takes stock of progress made so far in digitalizing social security coordination, presents ongoing initiatives, and suggests future actions to maximize the benefits of digitalization, providing a helpful overview.