Economic and Social Challenges of Member and Accession States: Social Security in the Europe Agreements

Abstract

Since the December 2002 European Union Council Meeting in Copenhagen, most of the Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) are now virtually guaranteed accession to the European Union on 1 May 2004. As interest now turns to the terms of accession and the single accession treaty, the history of the Europe Agreements with these countries and the continuing interest in them has been eclipsed somewhat. This, however, does not mean that they lack importance or relevance. Indeed, the agreements and their provisions on workers and social rights will continue to regulate the position of nationals of the CEECs until accession. For Bulgarians and Romanians who have been left out of the first round of accession, the agreements will continue to have important consequences for their access to benefits.