This Week in Social Affairs — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Major reforms to coordination of EU social security systems; amendments to worker protections from carcinogens; EGF support mobilised for displaced workers in Spain, Belgium, and Finland.
October 26, 2026 to November 01, 2026
Major reforms to coordination of EU social security systems; amendments to worker protections from carcinogens; EGF support mobilised for displaced workers in Spain, Belgium, and Finland.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Regulation (EU) 2026/2359 amending Regulations (EC) No 883/2004 and 987/2009 on social security coordination
Regulation (EU) 2026/2359, published on 27 October 2026, amends Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 987/2009, introducing substantial changes to the coordination of social security systems across the Union, the EEA, and Switzerland. The text clarifies the coordination of long-term care benefits, modifies unemployment benefit aggregation rules, and establishes procedures for cooperation and data exchange between Member States’ institutions. The amendments introduce new obligations for prior notification and attestations regarding posted and multi-state workers and provide for increased digitalisation and anti-fraud measures. Transitional periods are set for Luxembourg, with some provisions applicable from 1 November 2026 and others from 2 November 2028. The regulation was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 7 October 2026.
Directive (EU) 2026/2450 amending Directive 2004/37/EC on protection from carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances at work
Directive (EU) 2026/2450, published on 30 October 2026, amends Directive 2004/37/EC, updating occupational exposure limit values for carcinogens, mutagens, and reprotoxic substances. The directive introduces new definitions, sets or revises limit values for cobalt, specific PAH mixtures, welding fumes, isoprene, and 1,4-dioxane, and clarifies rules on personal protective equipment. Transitional periods are foreseen for certain sectors, and Member States are required to transpose the directive by 20 November 2028. The directive addresses recent scientific findings and recommendations from the Committee for Risk Assessment and the Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work. The act was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 21 October 2026.
Decision (EU) 2026/2453 on EGF mobilisation for displaced workers, Spain – EGF/2026/002 ES/Galicia automotive ancillary
Decision (EU) 2026/2453, published on 29 October 2026, mobilises the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to provide EUR 2,725,100 in support of workers displaced in the Galicia region of Spain following redundancies in the automotive ancillary sector. The application was submitted by Spain on 7 April 2026 and assessed under Regulation (EU) 2021/691. The financial measures are designed to assist affected workers in returning to employment.
Decision (EU) 2026/2455 on EGF mobilisation for displaced workers, Belgium – EGF/2026/001 BE/Cora
Decision (EU) 2026/2455, published on 29 October 2026, mobilises the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to provide EUR 3,821,460 to support workers displaced in Belgium following redundancies at Cora SA and a supplier. Belgium submitted the application on 25 March 2026 in line with Regulation (EU) 2021/691.
Decision (EU) 2026/2456 on EGF mobilisation for displaced workers, Finland – EGF/2026/003 FI/Valmet Automotive
Decision (EU) 2026/2456, published on 29 October 2026, mobilises the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to provide EUR 410,310 for workers displaced at Valmet Automotive and related companies in Finland. The application, submitted on 5 May 2026, was assessed under Regulation (EU) 2021/691 to meet eligibility criteria for EGF support.
What We're Reading This Week
- 'Having money is not enough': Why a job no longer guarantees access to housing in Spain: Rising housing costs in Spain are outpacing wages, leaving many employed people unable to secure affordable homes.
- French Senate approves bill to hold protesters liable for damage: Protesters in France could now be held financially responsible for damages caused during demonstrations under newly approved legislation.
- Budget bill, from denture allowances to tax relief for young people: all the demands from the governing parties: Governing parties propose a range of budget measures, including dental care support and tax breaks aimed at younger citizens.
- Insecurity is rising among young people and women: the unequal Italy revealed by the Istat report: New Istat data highlights growing insecurity, particularly affecting young people and women, exposing deepening social and economic divides in Italy.
