91998E3165

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3165/98

by Mathieu Grosch (PPE) to the Commission

(19 October 1998)

Subject: Benefits for frontier workers interrupting their careers

A female frontier worker employed in Germany can apply for a childcare allowance and childcare leave in Germany even if she lives in Belgium. However, there is a problem for frontier workers from Germany who are employed in Belgium and who apply for a career break to look after their children. If the person in question lived in Belgium she would receive a direct payment from the employment office in Belgium for this career interruption. Since the person in question lives in Germany, however, she does not receive this benefit.

Is this not a violation of the freedom of movement of workers within the Community or of the application of social security schemes to workers moving within the Community?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(15 December 1998)

The Commission is aware of the problem of frontier working in Belgium but resident in another Member State and of their entitlement to Belgian family benefits in the event of a career break.

The Commission has contacted the Belgian Government in order to find out the reason why the Belgian authorities refuse to pay such benefits.

Once it receive the Belgian Government's reply, the Commission will decide what further action to take.