The discussion surrounding potential welfare fraud perpetrated by organized groups originating from other European Union member states has intensified, with calls for adjustments to benefit levels for EU nationals residing in Germany.
Stephan Mayer, a Member of the Bundestag and foreign policy representative for the CSU party, has proposed reductions in Bürgergeld (social welfare) and other benefits for EU citizens. Speaking to “Bild”, Mayer stated that recent instances of organized abuse of social assistance programs, including child benefits, necessitate a change in approach. His proposal suggests aligning benefit levels for EU nationals with those available in their respective home countries.
“We need a basic level of support for EU citizens in Germany” Mayer explained. “EU nationals seeking social assistance while in Germany should only be eligible for payments equivalent to the support available in their country of origin. This will curb the influx into our social security systems.
Mayer argues that such a measure would fundamentally undermine the economic viability of such criminal operations and highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust. He emphasized that a failure to address the situation decisively risks eroding public acceptance of the current system.
Hessen’s Europe Minister, Manfred Pentz (CDU), echoed these sentiments in a separate interview with “Bild”. Pentz characterized the exploitation of the German social welfare system as a “misdevelopment” that requires rapid correction. He suggested that instances of “Bürgergeld exploitation” are becoming a business model and that individuals attempting to exploit the system without a genuine intention of working in Germany should not be able to invoke European freedom of movement principles.
