Reif position on the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) initiative

REIF represents social security institutions which will be at the forefront of the implementation of the ESSPASS Regulation.

REIF acknowledge the fact that the Commission’s proposal goes way beyond ESSPASS and covers more broadly digitalisation of social security as a whole. We welcome the initiative and ask the colegislators to consider the following when examining the ESSPASS proposal:

The Commission should provide for a clear overview of ESSPASS articulation with other EU legislation pieces and digital tools touching upon social security.
Priority is given to the digitisation of the A1 and the EHIC, based on a previous pilot project covering these two portable documents; other portable documents should be made available in ESSPASS via a positive list, on a phased basis and following a thorough impact assessment for each portable document;
REIF also requests that the date of application should only start after the adoption of the implementing acts setting out the technical specifications for each portable document;
With regard to the PDA1 and the common information requirements for the PDA1 (art.10), REIF recalls that PDA1 should allow for the efficient verification of the adequate coverage of a posted or multi-state worker with a list of minimum information required to enable the correct determination of the applicable legislation;
For the delay to issus a PDA1 or an EHIC, REIF ask for a more realistic and nuance approach, allowing social security institutions a more meticulous examination regarding the affiliation of insured people;
Amongs many other remarks, REIF finally stressed that the implementation of the Regulation will require a high investment by social security institutions (infrastrucutres, human ressources, new process). The EU should make adequate financial means available, via programmes which are easily accessible to social security institutions.

To read REIF’s full position on ESSPASS with the other remarks, please follow the link to the general position statement.