Foreign occupational pension: Which health insurance contribution?

Advised entity: Euregio Rhein-Maas-Nord

Many former cross-border workers, receiving Dutch occupational pensions and who live in Germany encounter unequal treatment, as in Germany occupational pensions are classified differently from statutory ones. This leads in certain cases to substantially higher health insurance contributions, creating financial burden and legal uncertainty.

Resolving this issue would bring more clarity and help ensure fair treatment for pensioners receiving benefits from both countries.

The Danish Survivor's Pension in a Cross Border Context

Advised entity: Region Sønderjylland-Schleswig

In Denmark a Survivor’s Pension is paid to the surviving spouses. In the Sønderjylland-Schleswig region, there were cases where a former cross-border commuter received a pension from Denmark and his spouse received a German State Pension. When the former cross-border commuter passed away, the spouse was denied the Danish Survivor's Pension because, according to the Danish authorities, both partners must receive a Danish social pension in order to claim it. Concerns arises as to whether this treatment is compatible with the principle of equivalence under EU Regulation 883/2004.

In order to eliminate any possible unequal treatment, it is essential to examine in detail whether the administrative handling of the Danish Survivor's Pension is compatible with EU law.

First steps to facilitate a bilingual kindergarten

Advised entity: Zweckverband Eurode

The municipalities of Herzogenrath (Germany) and Kerkrade (Netherlands) aim to establish a bilingual nursery for children from both sides of the border. However, the project faces challenges due to differences in daycare regulations and legal restrictions. For example, German parents working in Germany experience financial disadvantages when enrolling their children in Dutch daycares, and the recruitment of qualified personnel is hindered by lengthy diploma recognition processes. Overcoming these obstacles could benefit families in the border region, enhance children's language skills and well-being, and create job opportunities for childcare professionals.

New Danish Social Pension Act

Advised entity: Region Sønderjylland-Schleswig, Regionskontor & Infocenter

Denmark's amended Pension Act, effective on 1 July 2025, reduces pension entitlements for those who haven’t lived or worked in Denmark for 90% of the time between ages 15 and 67-68. This retroactive change lowers pensions for all, with cross-border workers particularly affected, as their benefits are now based on their proportional years of work in Denmark. Concerns arise over fairness and compliance with EU principles. Understanding the legal implications of this amendment and the need for possible legal adjustments is fundamental to address potential discrimination and promote a fair cross-border labour market.

Work across borders with French residency permit holders

Advised entity: Departmental Council of Nord

The European directive on the status of third-country nationals makes it complex and cumbersome for holders of a '10-year residence permit' in France to obtain a work permit for Flanders, Belgium. This hinders the cross-border labour market. Streamlining the procedure would boost employability and economic growth, reduce unemployment in France, and address labour shortages in key sectors in Flanders.