European Union adopts revised social security coordination regulations

The Council of the European Union has adopted a major revision of the regulations coordinating social security systems, specifically Regulations (EC) No 883/2004 and No 987/2009. These regulations serve as the legal pillars for the free movement of workers within the EU.

The reform process took nearly a decade, with the project originally presented by the Commission in late 2016 and a compromise reached by the European Parliament in July 2026. Despite the necessity of the updates, the reform has faced criticism regarding its focus on budgetary management and state interests rather than the expansion of citizen rights.

Luxembourg notably voted against the reform, despite acknowledging that the updates were indispensable. The Luxembourgish delegation highlighted major challenges and secured a derogation regarding the transition period for unemployment benefits.