Priorities from the perspective of the German Social Insurance.

DSV published a position paper for the 10th legislative period in May in which it put forward its social and health policy priorities for the next five years. Four topics will be addressed: the coordination of social security, the digitalisation of social security systems, a socially acceptable green transition as well as resilient healthcare systems.

Ensuring freedom of movement through social security coordination

The coordination of social security systems under European law ensures that cross-border mobility does not lead to disadvantages in terms of social security. Social security coordination is not static, it must be regularly adapted to social and societal developments. In DSV's opinion, a modern social security coordination is needed more than ever against the background of an ageing society and the growing demand for labour and skilled workers. It must be adapted to the challenges associated with the new flexibility in working life and be able to be implemented smoothly in practice.

Advancing the digitalisation of social security systems

As part of the policy programme for the Digital Decade, the goal was set to make all administrative services available online by 2030. For the DSV, it is crucial that digitalisation significantly reduces the bureaucratic burden on insured persons and employers. In this context, the European initiative introducing an EU Digital Identity Wallet has the potential to enable its citizens to digitally provide relevant social security proof throughout the EU. Consistent implementation is important in order to achieve further progress in the coordination of social security as a whole.

Shaping the green transition in a socially acceptable manner

Climate change is already having an impact on various areas of life, including the world of work. This presents the social insurance with new challenges in terms of prevention, medical treatment, rehabilitation and care measures, as well as occupational health and safety. The DSV believes that a transfer of knowledge on safe working practices and personal protective equipment as well as greater sensitisation of employers and employees are therefore essential for effective prevention. In addition to effective social protection systems, joint European strategies are needed to successfully accompany the green transition.

Creating resilient healthcare systems

In order to make the healthcare systems in Europe crisis- and future-proof, European level forces must be pooled sensibly and joint potentials utilised. This applies, for example, to common standards and benefit assessments of medicinal products and medical devices as well as dealing with supply bottlenecks for pharmaceuticals and medical products. The EU is also playing an increasingly important role in the digitalisation of the healthcare system. The focus must always be on added value for the insured person, their needs-based and quality-assured care as well as sustainable financing of national healthcare systems.