In the communication "The External Dimension of EU Social Security Coordination", the European Commission is putting forward fresh ideas to clarify the social security rights of people migrating into and out of the EU. The aim is to ensure better protection of workers' rights, in particular acquired state pension rights.

The policy communication stresses how migrants and businesses from third countries often face fragmented social security systems which create obstacles in terms of entering, moving within and leaving the EU. To address this difficulty, the Communication sets out how EU rules currently impact on the external dimension and gives clear guidance on the legal relationship between EU law and national bilateral agreements. It also suggests different ways to encourage cooperation between the Member States in the field of social security coordination with third countries and emphasises the need for strengthened Member State cooperation on bilateral social security agreements made with non-EU countries. In addition, the Communication calls for the development of a common EU approach.

More information: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2012:0153:FIN:EN:PDF