Social benefits in Norway have recently become one of the most important topics in the Norwegian media - both local and national. We also keep you informed about everything - about changes and all kinds of amendments. Today we will devote a moment to the tense relationship between Norway and the EU on the social issue. What is the crux of the problem? The government believes that the EU is blocking the possibility of reducing Norwegian social benefits exports. The chairman of Oslo City Council, Raymond Johansen (Ap), says that the government has not been seeking or fighting for it.
Social benefits in Norway and differences of opinion
The chairman of the Oslo City Council, Raymond Johansen (Ap), clearly and emphatically in his speech accused the government and Erna Solberg of wasting Norwegian money exported abroad. These words appeared in the pages of the VG newspaper:
I am against unconditional social support sent outside borders of Norway. There should be a clear rule that in order to receive support you must live in Norway. Unfortunately Prime Minister Erna Solberg is still spending millions of kroner economic immigrants who took their children back to Poland and other countries.
On the other hand, the government believes that the EU is causing the problems:
“The government blames the EU and says it is impossible to reduce support. However, if their European policy were more offensive and working on changes was more systematic, much more could be achieved. The government appears to have surrendered virtually without a fight." Raymond Johansen for Nattevisen.
Will there be restrictions on the export of social benefits in Norway?
Social benefits in Norway in numbers
It is worth emphasizing at this point - Norway exports social benefits amounting to approximately CZK 10,6 billion every year. Statistics results from the Norwegian Employment and Affairs Office social NAV are as follows: the number of people receiving care benefits abroad has remained stable in recent years - between 1000 and 1.350 people since 2010. The largest amount was recorded in 2012 - Norway exported care benefits to 1.349 foreigners living in other countries. The government wants to tighten the regulations – we will inform you about the ideas and solutions he presented in the next publication on this topic. We invite you to read the texts regarding benefits for families in Norway:
Nursing and child benefit in Norway - when is it granted?
Care allowance in Norway - completing the application
