Danish position on a European Social Security Number
Free movement of persons is an asset for the EU. It brings benefits to business, societies as well as
the individuals concerned.
Free movement is in some cases hampered by administrative barriers, lack of access to information
etc.
At the same time there are some shortcomings in current EU-legislation that increase the risk of
fraud and hinder the ability of authorities to ensure compliance/enforce regulation. These
shortcomings discredit the principle of free movement and risk undermining public support for free
movement.
Without prejudice to its final position the Danish government welcomes a discussion on how a
European Social Security Number could provide tangible results for our citizens and businesses
and increase efficiency by facilitating free movement while at the same time help in tackling the
above mentioned challenges. It may be used for a range of purposes related to cross-border
situations and not only for the sake of social security. It might help European businesses to handle
administrative requirements more easily when they do business across borders or to attract and
retain foreign labour.
It would be particularly useful if a European Social Security Number could help identifying the
residence of EU citizens.To mention one very topical example in Denmark: We have a challenge
ensuring continued repayment of student loans from EU citizens after they have left Denmark
For a social security number to fulfill these purposes it must be supported by the necessary digital
infrastructure. Whether there should be a new central database at the EU-level or rather an EU-
interface connected to national databases must be further explored. Account must be taken of
existing structures and tools such as the Information system for the internal market (IMI),
Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information (EESSI), and a possible future Single Digital
Gateway. It is of great importance that a possible European Social Security Number does not
entail disproportionate administrative costs and as few adjustments of existing systems as
possible.
Working optimally, it would for instance mean that when an EU-citizen registers in a Member
State in accordance with the residence directive (for work, studies etc.) such information will be
accessible for other Member State administrations. We believe that it would be an important step
to increase trust and cooperation between Members in order to fight fraud and social dumping as
well as to further unlock the untapped potential in the Single Market.
However, a European Social Security Number must be without prejudice to areas of national
competence, national personal numbers and registration schemes.