Social security
EEA legislation in the field of social security does not harmonise national legislations. It merely co-ordinates national social security schemes for persons moving within the EEA. The basic principles of social security co-ordination are the following:
- Determination of the competent state
- Equal treatment in all EEA States of nationals from other EEA States
- Aggregation of insurance periods for the purpose of determining and paying benefits
- Export of benefits to all EEA States
The main instruments implementing these principles are the Co-ordination Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72 which cover the following social security schemes:
- Sickness and maternity
- Accidents at work
- Occupational diseases
- Invalidity benefits
- Old-age pension
- Survivors' benefits
- Death grants
- Unemployment benefits
- Family benefits
The provisions do not, however, apply to social and medical assistance and benefits granted to victims of war. Nor do they cover taxation issues which are governed by bilateral agreements.
Unlike in the EU, in the EFTA States, the co-ordination system does not apply to third country nationals.
Furthermore, the co-ordination of supplementary pension rights of employed and self-employed persons moving within the EEA is governed by a separate directive.
