Fewer children money abroad: EU moves against Austria

the dispute over the children's money Reform in Austria escalated. The Brussels Commission has initiated proceedings, because children abroad for less money than Locals. Vienna, however, remains stubborn.

With the new year, introduced child benefit Reform in Austria is contrary to the view of the EU Commission against the law. The responsible Social Commissioner Marianne Thyssen sees no reason to make the children's money from the place of residence of the boys and girls. Workers from abroad are paid in Austria, close to the same social security contributions as well as Locals, Thyssen. "Then you should also enjoy the same benefits. In the EU, there are no children of the second class." Brussels has therefore initiated an infringement procedure.

EU Social Commissioner Marianne Thyssen believes that the Reform is a violation of applicable law.

savings in millions

The government in Vienna holds on to the Reform of the family allowance. "We continue to believe that the Form chosen is incompatible with European law," said Minister for family Affairs, Juliane Bogner-Strauß of the ÖVP.

Since the beginning of the year, the children's indexed money in Austria - that is, it is adjusted to the cost of living at the place of residence of the children. About 125,000 children get less support. Their parents work in Austria, children live in the country of origin of the families, such as in Poland, Hungary or Romania. The government in Vienna has estimated that the indexation will bring a saving of around 100 million euros. Background the rising social costs for EU foreigners in Austria.

Austria now has two months to respond to the accusations from Brussels. It maintains its position, is likely to deal with the dispute about the child benefit cut soon the European court of justice.

dispute issue of children's money - also in Germany-payments abroad are controversial.

demands for Reform in Germany

The dispute between Brussels and Vienna is expected to be closely followed. In the past five years, more and more children paid the Federal money abroad. In 2012, there were 75 million Euro in the past year, more than 400 million out of the country. Most of the children lived in Poland.

Against this Background, politicians in Germany, the children's money - just like Austria - to the actual cost of living at the place of residence of the girls and boys challenge. The AfD speaks has presented two motions in the Bundestag. The CSU had undertaken in June an initiative in the Bundesrat. The Federal government is hesitant on the subject but so far, precisely because of the concerns of the EU Commission.