The European Parliament adopted its first-reading position on 7 July 2026 amending Regulations (EC) No 883/2004 and (EC) No 987/2009 on coordinating social security systems, affecting EU Member States and their institutions. The vote, held during the Strasbourg plenary session from 6 to 9 July 2026, approved compromise amendments reflecting prior informal agreement with the Council and Commission. The Council is now expected to formally adopt the act in wording corresponding to Parliament's position.
The amendments introduce several key changes to the coordination rules. Long-term care benefits are explicitly included with a clear definition and list. For unemployment benefits, a new condition requires at least one month of uninterrupted insurance, employment, or self-employment in the most recent Member State before aggregation of periods. Member States may optionally extend the export of unemployment benefits until entitlement ends. Cross-border workers face a 22-week affiliation period. Luxembourg receives a phasing-in period during which old rules continue to apply and Article 56a of Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 shall not apply.
The regulation also strengthens anti-fraud and recovery mechanisms. The Commission receives delegated powers to amend Annexes. A new legal basis for processing personal data to combat fraud is established. Recovery procedures are aligned with Directive 2010/24/EU, and a uniform three-year limitation period for retroactive settlements between institutions is introduced.
EU citizens benefit from clearer rules on long-term care and unemployment benefit portability, but face stricter aggregation conditions. National social security institutions must adapt to new definitions, data processing obligations, and recovery procedures, increasing administrative burden. Luxembourg gains a transition period, easing adjustment for its institutions and cross-border workers. The Commission gains delegated powers, expanding its role in updating technical annexes.
The Council is expected to approve Parliament's position without further amendments, leading to final adoption and publication in the Official Journal. Member States will then have a set period to transpose the new rules into national law.