Concerns regarding potential social welfare fraud involving EU citizens are prompting calls for a re-evaluation of existing EU regulations. The Christian Social Union (CSU), a prominent German political party, is urging the European Commission to take action and consider strengthening the principles underpinning the EU’s freedom of movement.
According to statements released to the German newspaper “Bild”, CSU General Secretary Martin Huber expressed the view that the EU’s definition of “worker” is inadvertently attracting individuals seeking to access social welfare benefits without having contributed to the system. He stated that the current framework transforms Germany into a perceived destination for those attempting to exploit social provisions.
Huber emphasized that Germany’s social safety nets are intended to assist individuals unable to work or to cushion the impact of job losses, not to fund organized criminal structures. He advocated for revisions to the regulations governing freedom of movement at the EU level and also signaled the need for complementary reforms within Germany concerning welfare benefits, referencing commitments outlined in the current governing coalition’s agreement. These changes, he implied, are necessary to prevent misuse of the system.
