The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled today that the national authorities of an EU member state may refuse to grant social benefits to migrants who are not actively looking for a job in the country. The authorities must be able to prove that the person has moved to the country with the sole purpose of benefitting from social welfare and must demonstrate the abuse.
S&D Group spokeswoman on employment and social affairs Jutta Steinruck and S&D Group spokeswoman on civil liberties Birgit Sippel said:
"The ECJ ruling has confirmed that the controls put in place in the German social welfare system are working. Where an individual clearly does not want to integrate into the labour market, the right to social benefits may be denied.
"The free movement of workers is a fundamental right. This has been confirmed by the Court with this judgment. The ruling helps to clarify the rules and so it provides security and guidance for local authorities facing similar cases. Abuses may be prevented. It is now clear that individual circumstances must be taken into account.
“The judgment also takes the wind out of the sails of the anti-Europeans and populists. The alleged assault on Europe's welfare systems is a baseless accusation.
"In the public debate it is often forgotten that a large proportion of immigrants from other member states – especially from Romania and Bulgaria – are actively seeking a job.”
