Concerns regarding potential welfare fraud perpetrated by organized groups originating from other EU member states have spurred debate within Germany, with calls for adjustments to benefit regulations.
Stephan Mayer, a member of the Bundestag and a CSU foreign policy representative, has proposed a reduction in the standard rates of citizen’s income benefits for EU nationals. Addressing the “Bild” newspaper, Mayer emphasized a need to address the recent instances of organized abuse related to citizen’s income and child benefit programs, asserting that the current situation is unsustainable. His proposal entails aligning social benefit levels for EU citizens with the support levels available in their respective home countries.
“We need a minimum level of support for EU citizens in Germany” Mayer stated. “In the future, EU nationals seeking social benefits in Germany should only be entitled to benefits at the support level of their country of origin. This will curb migration into our social systems.
According to Mayer, this measure would effectively eliminate the foundation for organized criminal activity. He voiced concern that a failure to implement stricter measures risks eroding public acceptance of the existing system.
Manfred Pentz, the European Minister for the state of Hesse (CDU), echoed these sentiments in comments to “Bild”. Pentz described the exploitation of the German social welfare system as a “maldevelopment” requiring swift correction. He noted a growing trend of “citizen’s income scams” becoming a business model, suggesting that individuals exploiting the system without a genuine intention to work in Germany should not invoke European freedom of movement principles.