The new European social security regulations in context

This article discusses Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009 which will replace Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72 from May 1, 2010. The article explains some of the key changes which show the extent to which the replacing regulations go beyond the original social security regime including mutual recognition by Member States of factual matters leading to the award of benefits, determination of residence, the extension of the personal scope of the regulations, and changes to the rules on posted workers. It questions whether the replacement regulations modernise and simplify the former regime.