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European Convention on Social and Medical Assistance - [1953] COETS 5 (11 December 1953)

European Convention on Social and Medical Assistance

Paris, 11.XII.1953

The governments signatory hereto, being members of the Council of Europe,

Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members for the purpose, among others, of facilitating their social progress;

Being resolved, in accordance with this purpose, to extend their co-operation in the social field by establishing the principle of equal treatment for the nationals of each of them in the application of legislation providing for social and medical assistance; and

Desiring to conclude a Convention to this end,

Have agreed as follows:

Section I – General provisions

Article 1

Each of the Contracting Parties undertakes to ensure that nationals of the other Contracting Parties who are lawfully present in any part of its territory to which this Convention applies, and who are without sufficient resources, shall be entitled equally with its own nationals and on the same conditions to social and medical assistance (hereinafter referred to as "assistance") provided by the legislation in force from time to time in that part of its territory.

Article 2

  1. For the purposes of this Convention the terms "assistance", "nationals", "territory" and "country of origin" shall have the following meanings, that is to say:
    1. "Assistance" means in relation to each Contracting Party all assistance granted under the laws and regulations in force in any part of its territory under which persons without sufficient resources are granted means of subsistence and the care necessitated by their condition, other than non-contributory pensions and benefits paid in respect of war injuries due to foreign occupation.
    2. The terms "nationals" and "territory" of a Contracting Party shall have the meaning assigned to them by such a Party in a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe for communication to all other Contracting Parties, provided that a person who has lost his nationality otherwise than by deprivation and has thereby become stateless shall, until he has acquired another nationality, continue to be treated as a national.
    3. "Country of origin" means the country of which a person covered by the provisions of the present Convention is a national.
  2. The laws and regulations in force in the territories of the Contracting Parties and to which the present Convention applies, and the reservations formulated by Contracting Parties, are set forth in Annex I and Annex II respectively.

Article 3

Proof of the nationality of the person concerned shall be provided in accordance with the regulations governing such matters under the legislation of the country of origin.

Article 4

The cost of assistance to a national of any of the Contracting Parties shall be borne by the Contracting Party which has granted the assistance.

Article 5

The Contracting Parties undertake, so far as their laws and regulations permit, to help each other to recover the full cost of assistance as far as possible either from third parties under financial obligation to the assisted person or from persons who are liable to contribute to the cost of maintenance of the person concerned.

Section II – Repatriation

Article 6

  1. A Contracting Party in whose territory a national of another Contracting Party is lawfully resident shall not repatriate that national on the sole ground that he is in need of assistance.
  2. Nothing in this Convention shall prejudice the right to deport on any ground other than the sole ground mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Article 7

  1. The provisions of Article 6.a notwithstanding, a Contracting Party may repatriate a national of another Contracting Party resident in its territory on the sole ground mentioned in Article 6.a if the following conditions are fulfilled:
    1. the person concerned has not been continuously resident in the territory of that Contracting Party for at least five years if he entered it before attaining the age of 55 years, or for at least ten years if he entered it after attaining that age;
    2. he is in a fit state of health to be transported; and
    3. has no close ties in the territory in which he is resident.
  2. The Contracting Parties agree not to have recourse to repatriation except in the greatest moderation and then only where there is no objection on humanitarian grounds.
  3. In the same spirit, the Contracting Parties agree that, if they repatriate an assisted person, facilities should be offered to the spouse and children, if any, to accompany the person concerned.

Article 8

  1. The Contracting Party repatriating any national in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 shall bear the cost of repatriation as far as the frontier of the territory to which the national is being repatriated.
  2. Each Contracting Party undertakes to receive any of its nationals repatriated in accordance with the provisions of Article 7.
  3. Each Contracting Party undertakes to facilitate the transit across its territory of any persons repatriated in accordance with Article 7.

Article 9

    If the country of which the assisted person claims to be a national does not recognise him as such, the grounds of the disclaimer must be forwarded to the country of residence within thirty days or as soon as possible thereafter.

Article 10

  1. When repatriation is decided upon, the diplomatic or consular authorities of the country of origin shall be advised (if possible, three weeks in advance) of the repatriation of their national.
  2. The authorities of the country of origin shall duly inform the authorities of any country or countries of transit.
  3. The places for handing over such persons shall be decided by arrangement between the competent authorities of the country of residence and the country of origin.

Section III – Residence

Article 11

  1. Residence by an alien in the territory of any of the Contracting Parties shall be considered lawful within the meaning of this Convention so long as there is in force in his case a permit or such other permission as is required by the laws and regulations of the country concerned to reside therein. Failure to renew any such permit, if due solely to the inadvertence of the person concerned, shall not cause him to cease to be entitled to assistance.
  2. Lawful residence shall become unlawful from the date of any deportation order made out against the person concerned, unless a stay of execution is granted.

Article 12

    The commencing date of the period of residence laid down in Article 7 shall in each country be established, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, on the basis of evidence supplied by official investigation or by the documents listed in Annex III or any documents recognised by the laws and regulations of the country as affording proof of residence.

Article 13

  1. Proof of continuity of residence may be shown by the production of any evidence acceptable in the country of residence, such as proof of occupational activity or the production of rent receipts.
  2.  
    1. Residence shall be regarded as continuous notwithstanding periods of absence of less than three months, provided that the absence is not caused by repatriation or deportation.
    2. Periods of absence of six months or more shall be held to interrupt the continuity of residence.
    3. In order to determine whether a period of absence of between three and six months shall interrupt the continuity of residence, regard shall be had to the intention or otherwise of the person concerned to return to the country of residence and to the extent to which he has preserved his connection therewith during the period of his absence.
    4. Service in ships registered in the country of residence shall not be held to interrupt the continuity of residence. Service in other ships shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraphs i to iii above.

Article 14

There shall be excluded in the calculation of length of residence those periods during which the person concerned has been in receipt of assistance from public monies as laid down in the legislative measures mentioned in Annex I, except in the case of medical treatment for acute illness or short-term medical treatment.

Section IV – Miscellaneous provisions

Article 15

The administrative, diplomatic and consular authorities of the Contracting Parties shall afford to one another all possible assistance in the implementation of this Convention.

Article 16

  1. The Contracting Parties shall notify the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of any subsequent amendment of their laws and regulations which may affect Annexes I and III.
  2. Each Contracting Party shall notify to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe any new law or regulation not already included in Annex I. At the time of making such notification a Contracting Party may make a reservation in respect of the application of this new law or regulation to the nationals of other Contracting Parties.
  3. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall communicate to the other Contracting Parties any information notified to him in accordance with paragraphs a and b.

Article 17

The Contracting Parties may, by bilateral arrangement, take interim measures to deal with cases in which assistance was granted prior to the entry into force of this Convention.

Article 18

The provisions of this Convention shall not limit the provisions of any national laws or regulations, international conventions or bilateral or multilateral agreements which are more favourable for the beneficiary.

Article 19

Annexes I, II and III shall constitute an integral part of this Convention.

Article 20

  1. The competent authorities of the Contracting Parties shall endeavour to resolve by negotiation any dispute relating to the interpretation or application of this Convention.
  2. If any such dispute has not been resolved by negotiation within a period of three months, the dispute shall be submitted to arbitration by an arbitral body whose composition and procedure shall be agreed upon by the Contracting Parties concerned or, in default of such agreement within a further period of three months, by an arbitrator chosen at the request of any of the Contracting Parties concerned by the President of the International Court of Justice. Should the latter be a national of one of the Parties to the dispute, this task shall be entrusted to the Vice-President of the Court or to the next judge in order of seniority not a national of one of the Parties to the dispute.
  3. The decision of the arbitral body or arbitrator, as the case may be, shall be made in accordance with the principles and spirit of this Convention and shall be final and binding.

Article 21

  1. This Convention shall be open to the signature of the members of the Council of Europe. It shall be ratified. Instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
  2. This Convention shall come into force on the first day of the month following the date of deposit of the second instrument of ratification.
  3. As regards any signatory ratifying subsequently, the Convention shall come into force on the first day of the month following the date of the deposit of its instrument of ratification.

Article 22

  1. The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may invite any State not a member of the Council to accede to this Convention.
  2. Accession shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument of accession with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, which shall take effect on the first day of the month following the date of deposit.
  3. Any instrument of accession deposited in accordance with this article shall be accompanied by a notification of such information as would be contained in the Annexes I and III to this Convention if the government of the State concerned were, on the date of accession, a signatory hereto.
  4. For the purposes of this Convention any information notified in accordance with paragraph c of this article shall be deemed to be part of the annex in which it would have been recorded if the government of the State concerned were a signatory hereto.

Article 23

The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall notify the members of the Council:

  1. of the date of entry into force of this Convention and the names of any members who ratify it;
  2. of the deposit of any instrument of accession in accordance with Article 22 and of such notifications as are received with it;
  3. of any notification received in accordance with Article 24 and its effective date.

Article 24

This Convention shall remain in force for a period of two years from the date of its entry into force in accordance with paragraph b of Article 21. Thereafter it shall remain in force from year to year for such Contracting Parties as have not denounced it by a notification to that effect addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe at least six months before the expiry either of the preliminary two-year period or of any subsequent yearly period. Such notification shall take effect at the end of the period to which it relates.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed the present Convention.

Done at Paris, this 11th day of December 1953, in English and French, both texts being equally authoritative, in a single copy, which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General shall transmit certified copies to each of the signatories.

Appendices

  Interpretation of the terms "nationals" and "territory"

  Annex I – Legislative measures regarding assistance referred to in Article 1 of the Convention

  Annex II – Reservations formulated by the Contracting Parties

  Annex III – List of documents recognised as affording proof of residence, referred to in article 11 of the Convention

Annex II to the European Convention on Social and Medical Assistance
   Reservations formulated by the Contracting Parties

Updated on 1 March 2000 – this page is updated following each communication

1  The Government of Belgium has formulated the following reservation:

The Belgian Government reserves the right not to grant to nationals of Contracting Parties the benefit of the legislation concerning the minimum level of means of subsistence.

2  The Government of Germany has formulated the following reservation:

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany does not undertake to grant to the nationals of the other Contracting Parties, equally and under the same conditions as to its own nationals, assistance designed to enable the beneficiary to make a living, or assistance to overcome particular social difficulties, under the Federal Social Assistance Act for the time being in force. Notwithstanding the above, such assistance may be granted in appropriate cases.

3  The Government of Luxembourg has formulated the following reservation:

a  Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 18, the Luxembourg Government reserves the right to apply the Convention as far as it concerns Article 7 only under the condition that the person concerned has been a resident for at least ten years.

b  The Government of Luxembourg makes a general de jure reservation in respect of the extension of the benefits of the law of 30 July 1960 concerning the setting-up of a National Solidarity Fund to foreign nationals.

Nevertheless, paragraph 3 of Article 2 of the said law determines the cases in which it also applies to stateless persons and foreigners and it is to the extent thus laid down in the law itself that the Government of Luxembourg intends to apply it de facto.

4  The Government of Norway has formulated the following reservation:

Norway and the Federal Republic of Germany decided by exchange of Notes (2 to 6 September 1965) not to make use of Articles 7 and 14 in the European Convention of 11 December 1953 on social and medical assistance.

5  The Government of the United Kingdom has formulated the following reservation:

Her Majesty's Government reserve the right to free themselves from their obligation under Article 1 in respect of any person who may be repatriated by virtue of the provisions of Article 7 but who fails to take advantage of the facilities offered for his repatriation (including free transport to the frontier of his country of origin).

Protocol to the European Convention on Social and Medical Assistance

Paris, 11.XII.1953

The governments signatory hereto, being members of the Council of Europe,

Having regard to the provisions of the European Convention on Social and Medical Assistance, signed at Paris, on the 11th day of December 1953 (hereinafter referred to as "the Assistance Convention");

Having regard to the provisions of the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees signed at Geneva on 28th July 1951 (hereinafter referred to as "the Geneva Convention");

Being desirous of extending the provisions of the Assistance Convention so as to apply to refugees as defined in the Geneva Convention,

Have agreed as follows:

Article 1

For the purposes of this Protocol the term "refugee" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Article 1 of the Geneva Convention, provided that each Contracting Party shall make a declaration at the time of signature or ratification hereof or accession hereto, specifying which of the meanings set out in paragraph B of Article 1 of that Convention it applies for the purpose of its obligations under this Protocol, unless such Party has already made such a declaration at the time of its signature or ratification of that Convention.

Article 2

The provisions of Section I of the Assistance Convention shall apply to refugees under the same conditions as they apply to the nationals of the Contracting Parties thereto.

Article 3

  1. The provisions of Section II of the Assistance Convention shall not apply to refugees.
  2. In the case of a person who has ceased to qualify for the benefits of the Geneva Convention in accordance with the provisions of paragraph C of Article 1 thereof, the period for repatriation laid down in Article 7.a.i of the Assistance Convention shall begin from the date when he has thus ceased to qualify.

Article 4

As between the Contracting Parties, the provisions of Articles 1, 2 and 3 of this Protocol shall be regarded as additional articles to the Assistance Convention, and the remaining provisions of that Convention shall apply accordingly.

Article 5

  1. This Protocol shall be open to the signature of the members of the Council of Europe who have signed the Assistance Convention. It shall be ratified.
  2. Any State which has acceded to the Assistance Convention may accede to this Protocol.
  3. This Protocol shall come into force on the first day of the month following the date of deposit of the second instrument of ratification.
  4. As regards any signatory ratifying subsequently, or any acceding State, the Protocol shall come into force on the first day of the month following the date of the deposit of its instrument of ratification or accession.
  5. Instruments of ratification and accession shall be deposited with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, who shall notify the members of the Council and acceding States of the names of those who have ratified or acceded.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this Protocol.

Done at Paris, this 11th day of December 1953, in English and French, both texts being equally authoritative, in a single copy, which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Council of Europe. The Secretary General shall transmit certified copies to each of the signatories.

Annex III to the European Convention on Social and Medical Assistance
   List of documents recognised as affording proof of residence, referred to in article 11 of the Convention

Updated on 1 March 2000 – this page is updated following each communication

Belgium

Alien's identity card or certificate of entry in the Register of Aliens or residence card issued to nationals of an EEC member State.

Denmark

- Certificate of residence permit.
- Certificat of residence and work permit.
- Residence permit or residence and work permit implied in passport.
- EC/EEA residence certificate.

France

- Alien's "carte de séjour".
- The French Government considers that any national of a Contracting Party present in French territory, even in transit, meets the lawful presence requirement stated in Article 1 of the Convention.

Germany

- Residence authorisation pursuant to paragraph 5 of the Aliens Act of 9 July 1990, conferred by a separate paper or by a reference in the identity document.
- Residence authorisations for nationals of EEC Member States.
-Request for residence authorisation, substantiated by an appropriate certificate or by a reference in the identity document: "Registered as an alien".

Greece

The document accepted as proof of the status of aliens is, generally, the passport. Aliens who become established in Greece are furnished with identity cards by the Aliens Office within a month of arrival. In all other cases aliens receive a residence permit.

Iceland

Certificate drawn up in accordance with the list of aliens kept by the Immigration authorities, or Certificate drawn up in accordance with the Census Register.

Ireland

Endorsement of the Department of Justice on passports or on travel documents and notations on police registration certificates by police of such endorsements.

Italy

Certificates of civil status accompanied by various other supporting documents including one or more identity certificates worded in the usual form.

Luxembourg

Alien's Identity Card.

Malta

Endorsement on passport or residence permit.

Netherlands

a  Temporary residence permit.
b  Residence card issued to nationals of EEC member States.
c  Permanent residence permit.
d  Residence permit issued indefinitely ex art. 10, para 2 of the Aliens Act.

Norway

Extract from the Register of Aliens.

Portugal

- Chapter V of Order in Council No 60/93, of 3 March 1993, listing the residence permits to be issued to individuals described in Article 3 of the above-mentioned Order in Council.
- Regulation No 43/93, of 15 December 1993, in so far as it is not in opposition with the provisions of the Order in Council no. 244/98 of 8 August 1998, on the entry, stay, exit and expulsion of foreigners into and from the national territory.
- Chapter VII, Articles 80 to 89 of Order in Council no. 244/98, of 8 August 1998, with the modifications introduced by the Order in Council no. 97/99, of 26 July 1999, on the residence authorization in Portugal.
- Article 6, paragaph 2, of Law no. 15.98, of 26 March 1998, and Article 61 of Order in Council no. 244/98, of 8 August 1998, on the documents proving that an individual is a refugee.

Spain

- Residence permit recorded in the passport or identity document issued by the Provincial Civil Governor.
- Decree No. 522 of 14 February 1974.
- Royal Decree No. 1775 of 24 July 1981.
- Residence permit and work permit in one document.
- Royal Decree No. 1031 of 3 May 1980.
- Document delivered in conformity with Order of 16 May 1979, provisional regulations relating to the recognition in Spain of the status of refugee.

Sweden

Residence Permit.

Turkey

Alien's Residence Permit.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

An endorsement in the passport or other travel document; a residence permit issued to nationals of EEC member States; or a police certificate of registration.

Annex IV to the European Convention on Social and Medical Assistance
   Interpretation of the terms "nationals" and "territory"

Updated on 17 April 2002 – this page is updated following each communication

Paragraph 4 of Article 1 of the European Interim Agreements on Social Security (ETS No. 12 and ETS No. 13) and paragraph 1(b) of Article 2 of the Convention on Social and Medical Assistance (ETS No. 14) provide that the terms "nationals" and "territory" of a Contracting Party shall have the meaning assigned to them by such a party in a declaration addressed to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe for communication to other Contracting Parties.

The meanings assigned to these terms by the member Governments of the Council of Europe in the communications which they have addressed to the Secretary General are as follows:

Belgium

  Nationals

Persons possessing Belgian nationality.

  Territory

Belgian metropolitan territory, excluding the Belgian Congo and Ruanda-Urundi.

Cyprus

  Nationals

Persons having at 1 December 1968 acquired or being entitled to acquire, citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus, in accordance with the provisions of Annex D to the Treaty of Establishment, or those who acquire that citizenship in accordance with the Republic's Nationality Act, 1967.

  Territory

The territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

Czech Republic

  Nationals

Citizens of the Czech Republic.

  Territory

The territory of the Czech Republic.

Denmark

  Nationals

Persons possessing Danish nationality.

  Territory

Denmark itself, not including the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

Nevertheless, consideration may be given later to the question of extending the application of the Agreements to these parts of the Kingdom.

Estonia

  Nationals

Estonian nationals.

  Territory

Territory under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Estonia.

France

  Nationals

All persons of French nationality, all nationals of the French Union, except those of the Association States, and all French protected persons.

  Territory

Metropolitan France and its overseas departments (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Réunion).

Federal Republic of Germany

  Nationals

All Germans within the meaning of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany.

  Territory

Territory to which the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany applies. The Federal Government reserves the right to notify the Secretary General of the Council of Europe that the application of the Agreements shall be extended to Land Berlin, and this notification shall be binding on the Contracting Parties as from the first day of the month following such notification.

Greece

  Nationals

Persons possessing Greek nationality and all holders of a valid Greek passport. Certain Greek nationals do not possess Greek passports owing to the fact that their papers of nationality are not in order or for some other reason. In these doubtful cases it would be advisable for the authorities of the Contracting Parties to consult the Greek diplomat or consular authorities, in accordance with the spirit of Article 15 of the Convention.

  Territory

All Greek territory, including the Greek islands, as defined by international treaties at present in force.

Iceland

  Nationals

All persons legally enjoying the right of Icelandic citizenship.

  Territory

The territory of Iceland including surrounding islands and territorial waters subject to Icelandic jurisdiction.

Ireland

  Nationals

Citizens of Ireland.

  Territory

That part of the national territory of the whole island of Ireland for the time being under the jurisdiction of the Government of Ireland.

Italy

  Nationals

All citizens of the State and all persons to whom the nationality laws of the State have been extended, including all stateless persons residing on the territory of the State.

  Territory

The national metropolitan territory.

Latvia

  Nationals

- Citizens of the Republic of Latvia;
- Non-citizens of the Republic of Latvia who are subjects of the Law on the Status of Former USSR Citizens who are not Citizens of Latvia or any other State.

  Territory

All the territory of the Republic of Latvia which is in its jurisdiction in conformity with international law..

Lithuania

  Nationals

The physical persons who are citizens of the Republic of Lithuania as defined by the laws of the Republic of Lithuania;

  Territory

The territory of the Republic of Lithuania, including the territorial sea and any maritime or submarine area within which the Republic of Lithuania may exercise, in accordance with international law, rights for the purpose of exploration, exploitation and preservation of the sea-bed, sub-soil and natural resources.

Luxembourg

  Nationals

Persons of Luxembourg nationality.

  Territory

The territory of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Netherlands

  Nationals

Persons of Netherlands nationality.

  Territory

The territory of the Kingdom in Europe.

Norway

  Nationals

Persons of Norwegian nationality according to the Norwegian Nationality Act of 8th December 1950.

  Territory

The Kingdom of Norway, with the exception of Svalbard. The Agreements will not apply to the Svalbard (Spitzbergen) Archipelago, although these territories form a part of the Kingdom, owing to the fact that the Norwegian social security system has not been extended to the said territories.

Portugal

  Nationals

Persons of Portuguese nationality.

  Territory

The metropolitan territory of Portugal and the archipelagoes of the Azores and Madeira.

Spain

  Nationals

Concerning the term "national", the Spanish Constitution (Art. 11.1) provides that "Spanish nationality is acquired, maintained and lost in accordance with the provisions of the law".

"Nationals" or "Spanish" are therefore those persons which the Civil Code considers as such in its Articles 17 to 28, either by their origin or on the grounds expressly laid down by law.

  Territory

Concerning the term "territory", reference must be made to the "Spanish territory" or to Spain as mentioned in Article 8 of the Civil Code.

The geographical and juridical determination of the Spanish territory is very complex and is made, not only by means of international treaties with neighbouring States, but also by means of other rules of international law (territorial sea, continental shelf, economic zone, air space, ships, etc.).

Sweden

  Nationals

Citizens of Sweden.

  Territory

The territory of Sweden.

Turkey

  Nationals

Persons possessing Turkish nationality.

  Territory

The territory under Turkish sovereignty.

United Kingdom

  Nationals

Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies.

  Territory

England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, but not the Channel Islands or other territories for whose international relations the United Kingdom Government are responsible; nevertheless, consideration may be given later to the question of extending the application of the Agreements to the Channel Islands.

Annex I to the European Convention on Social and Medical Assistance
   Legislative measures regarding assistance referred to in Article 1 of the Convention

Updated on 14 February 2001 – this page is updated following each communication

Belgium

- Law of 27 June 1956 concerning the Special Assistance Fund.
- Law of 2 April 1965 concerning Public Assistance.
- Royal Decree No. 81 of 10 November 1967 establishing a Fund to provide for medical, social and educational services for the handicapped.
- Law of 8 July 1964 concerning urgent Medical Assistance.
- Law of 7 August 1974 establishing the right to a minimum level of means of subsistence.
- Law of 8 July 1976 relating to the organisation of Public Social Assistance Centres.

Denmark

- The Act on Active Social Policy (Act no. 455 of 10 June 1997 as later amended).
- The Act on Social Services (Act no. 454 of 10 June 1997 as later amended).

France

- Family and Social Assistance Code : (Decree No. 56-149 of 24 January 1956).
- Social Assistance to Children - Part II - Chapter II.
- Social and Medical Assistance - Part III (except Articles 162 and 171) :

. Social Assistance to families and to the aged, infirm, blind or seriously disabled. Compensatory allowances for rent increases. Special accommodation measures.
. Medical Assistance to the sick, sufferers from tuberculosis, mental patients.

Germany

a   The Federal Social Assistance Act as published on 23 March 1994 (Federal Law Gazette, I, pp. 646 ans 2975), last amended by Article 12 of the Act of 13 September 2001 (Federal Law Gazette, I, pp. 2376 and 2975).

b   Paragraphs 27, 32 to 35 and 41, each in conjunction with paragraph 39 of Volume Eight of the Social Code as published on 8 December 1998 (Federal Law Gazette, I, p. 3546).

c   Paragraphs 3, 19 and 69 of the Act to prevent and combat infectious diseases contracted by humans (Infektionsschutzgesetz - IfSG, Article 1 of the Act to revise the legislation on epidemics of 20 July 2000, Federal Law Gazette, I, p. 1045).

Greece

Greek legislation provides for public assistance for those in need. Social assistance is made available consisting of economic, medical-pharmaceutical and hospital related assistance, as well as other benefits. Ministerial decisions have been promulgated and enacted regarding health care to such a degree that there is no uninsured indigent social group in this country not covered by a social assistance regime including hospital, medical and pharmaceutical assistance.

According to Decree No. 57/1973 (Article 5, paragraph 2) aliens from States who have adopted the European Convention on Social and Medical Assitance, residents in Greece, are integrated within the social assistance programmes as equals of the Greek citizens.

Such programmes cover needy and emergency cases of individuals who are unable to face by their own or their family's means, a natural disaster or illness by the assignment of a lump sum.

The above social assistance is also provided for the over 65 years old unable to cover their living demands by their own or their family's means, although no emergency reason occurs.

This assistance is granted after claim at the Prefectural Welfare Autority of the place of residence, responsible to certify the economic weakness of the claimant. Ministerial Decision A3/7485/81 provides full health assistance to foreigners on transit and tourists of Greek origine not residing in Greece, on the condition that their stay will be no longer than three months; besides foreign students fellows of the Greek Government and the members of the families of the medical fellows enjoy full health assistance during their stay in this country.

a   Assistance to children

The following reform has been realised :

i    Presidential Decree 856/81 (Official Gazette 218/81 Vol A). It has been reformed and completed by a joint Ministerial Decision signed by the Ministers of Finance and Health, Welfare and Social Security. Decision No 3634/82 re: Benefit for children without support uprating of the age limit to 16 years old, instead of 14.

ii   Presidential Decree No. 147/89 (Official Gazette No. 70/Vol. A/89) re: uprating of the monthly benefit from 7,000 Drs. to 9,500 Drs. and expansion of the financial criteria.

iii   Circular to the Ministry of Social Assistance No. 817/7338 of 10 January 1952 "Free admission to observation clinics for children suffering from glandular infections".

iv   Ministerial Decision 8291/84 (Official Gazette No. 860/ Vol. B/84) re: Child Care Homes : approval of their operating regulations, according to Article 4.

Child Care Homes (ex. Orphanages) are open to physically and mentally normal children aged from 5 and a halp to 16 years old needing institutional care, which is proved by a social investigation carried out for each claimant.

v   Law 4227 of 17 March 1962 "Organisation of day-nurseries and admission of infants not supported by their families" (Official Gazette A No. 49 of 24 March 1962).

b   Assistance to Adults

i   Circular of the Ministry of Social Assistance No. 374/9505 of 30 July 1956 "Hospital care and medical and pharmaceutical assistance".

Such assistance is provided for needy cases and for entitled persons in other special categories.

ii   Circular of the Ministry of Merchant Shipping No. 14931 of 7 March 1950 "Free travel". A number of free places are reserved for the needy on Greek coastal vessels.

iii   Law 2603 of 1953 ratifying Decision No. 487 of 13 May 1952 of the Council of Ministers, concerning payment by the State of travelling expenses for needy prisoners returning home on release.

iv   Free legal assistance under Articles 220 to 224 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

This assistance is granted to aliens on a basis of reciprocity.

c   Assistance for the aged and the chronically ill.

I. Legislative decree 162/1973

Official Gazette No. 227 "Assistance provisions in favour of the aged and chronically ill" providing institutionalisation (in Public and Private Entity Establishments) and protection of the non-institutionalised, Day Centres for the aged (KAPI), home assistance and so on.

II. Legislative Decree 1118/1972

re: "Private enterprises providing medical assistance for the aged or the chronically ill, suffering from a deficiency of the mobility system and regulation of adequate matters".

Iceland

Law No. 80, dated 5 June 1947, concerning social assistance.

Ireland

- Blind Persons Act, 1920.
- Social Welfare (Supplementary Welfare Allowances Act), 1975.
- Mental Treatment Act, 1945.
- Health Act, 1953.
- Health and Mental Treatment Act, 1957.
- Health and Mental Treatment (Amendment) Act, 1958.
- Health Act, 1970.

Italy

a   Single text of the laws on public order of 18 June 1931, No. 773, Art. 142, et seq., governing the sojourn of aliens in Italy.

b   Law of 17 July 1890, No. 6972 on public assistance and welfare institutions Art. 76-77 and Administrative Regulation of 5 February 1891, No. 99, Art. 112 and 116 relating to invalids and needy persons in general.

c   Law of 14 February 1904, No. 36, Art. 6 and Regulations of 16 August 1909, No. 615, Art. 55, 56, 75, 76 and 77 relating to the insane.

d   Law of 23 December 1978, No. 833, concerning the setting up of the National Health Service : Articles 6, 33, 34, 35.

e   Legislative Decree of 30 December 1979, No. 663 (Article 5), converted into the Law of 29 February 1980, No. 33, Article 1.

f   Law of 4 May 1990, No. 107 concerning the activities of transfusion relating to human blood and of the production of derived plasmas.

g   Law of 26 May 1990, concerning toxic dependencies.

h   Law of 5 June 1990, concerning AIDS.

i   Ministerial Decree of 27 September 1990. Compulsory National Health Service Insurance for unemployed workers from the European Communities living in Italy.

l   Presidential Decree No. 309 of 1 October 1990. A single body of laws on narcotics, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of drug users.

m   Law No. 104 of 5 February 1992 which provides the legal framework for assistance, social integration and rights of the disabled.

n   Law No. 210 of 25 February 1992. Compensation for victims of irreversible complications owing to compulsory vaccination and to transfusion and administration of blood products.

o   Law No. 67 of 18 March 1993 on "Urgent provisions for health matters and social assistance".

p   Law No. 222 of 14 July 1993 on "Urgent provisions for treatment for individuals who are HIV positive or drug-dependent".

q   Law No. 590 of 17 October 1994 on "Urgent provisions for the organisation of local health offices".

Luxembourg

- Law of 28 May 1897, concerning emergency residence (domicile de secours).
- Law of 7 August 1923, rendering compulsory the training of the blind and the deaf and dumb.
- Law of 30 July 1960 concerning the setting-up of a National Solidarity Fund.
- Law of 14 March 1973 setting up institutes and services of differentiated education.
- Amended Law of 16 April 1979, creating a special allowance for the seriously handicapped.
- Amended Law of 26 July 1980, concerning the advancing and recovery of maintenance allowances by the National Solidarity Fund.

- Law of 26 July 1986,

a   establishing entitlement to a guaranteed minimum income
b   creating a social welfare service
c   amending the Law of 30 July 1960, concerning the setting up of a National Solidarity Fund.

- Law of 16 June 1989, amending the above-mentioned Law of 26 July 1986.
- Law of 2 May 1989, creating a care allowance and organising placement in a Care Centre.
- Grand-Ducal Regulation of 23 October 1989, concerning the membership and powers of the National, Medical, Psychological and Pedagogical Committee.
- Grand-Ducal Regulation of 19 June 1990 creating a service of educative assistance named Child Guidance Service.
- Grand-Ducal Regulation of 19 June 1990, organising the child guidance service.
- Law of 28 June 1994 amending and supplementing :

a)  the amended Law of 10 August 1912 on the organisation of the primary education,
b)  the amended Law of 14 March 1973 setting up institutes and services of differentiated education, in favour of the participation of children affected by a disability for ordinary education and of their scholar integration.

- Grand-Ducal Regulation of 9 January 1998 concerning :

a)  the membership and powers of national and regional or local medical, psychological and pedagogical committees,
b)  the procedure of school orientation of children affected by a disability as well as the modalities of their schooling.

- Grand-Ducal Order of 9 January 1998 setting-up a re-educational ambulatory service.
- Grand-Ducal Regulation of 9 January 1998 organising the re-educational ambulatory service.

Malta

-Social Security Act 1987 as last amended by Act II of 1999, dated 23 February 1999.
- European Social Charter Order, 1999 (Legal Notice 204/1999).

Netherlands

- Act of 12 April 1995 containing new regulations pertaining to the provision of social assistance by the authorities, known as the new National Assistance Act ("Staatsblad", Bulletin of Acts, Orders and Decrees, 1995, No. 199), entered into force 1 January 1996, together with additions and amendments enacted by the following legislation :

Act of 10 July 1995, Stb. 355; Act of 14 December 1995, Stb. 676; Act of 21 December 1995, Stb. 690, 691 and 696; Act of 8 February 1996, Stb. 134; Act of 25 April 1996, Stb. 248; Act of 29 November 1996, Stb. 619; Act of 6 February 1997, Stb. 63; Act of 26 February 1997, Stb. 96; Act of 10 April 1997, Stb. 162; Act of 24 April 1997, Stb. 178, in connection with the Act of 24 December 1997, Stb. 794; Act of 24 April 1997, Stb. 197; Act of 2 May 1997, Stb. 193; Act of 11 September 1997, Stb. 465; Act of 24 October 1997, Stb. 515; Act of 6 November 1997, Stb. 510; Act of 4 December 1997, Stb. 760; Act of 17 December 1997, Stb. 660 et 728; Act of 24 December 1997, Stb. 789 and 791; Act of 26 March 1998, Stb. 203; Act of 2 April 1998, Stb. 205; Act of 9 April 1998, Stb. 278; Act of 22 April 1998, Stb. 289; Act of 23 April 1998, Stb. 290; Act of 11 June 1998, Stb. 412; Act of 1st July 1998, Stb. 451 and Act of 24 November 1998, Stb. 742.

- The following General Administrative Orders (Royal Decrees) enacted on the basis of the National Assistance Act :

. Government Assistance Scheme for Self-employed Persons of 12 April 1995 (Stb. 203) as amended by Decree of 24 February 1996, Stb. 153 ;
. Mortgage Guarantee Decree of 12 April 1995 (Stb. 204) as amended by Decree of 2 October 1995, Stb. 496.

Various ministerial orders (and amendments thereto) pertaining to the implementation of the provisions of the above General Administrative Orders and/or to specifying them in greater detail.

Norway

Act of 5 June 1964 concerning social care.

Portugal

- Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, Article 63 (social security).
- Law No 28/84, of 14 August 1984, establishing bases for the social security system provided for by the Constitution and the welfare assistance to be provided by social security institutions, together with private non-profit making initiatives with aims similar to those of state institutions.
- Order in Council No 2/86, of 2 January 1986, defining principles to which establishments, public or private, meant for young persons in transit or definitively deprived of family ground have to conform to.
- Order in Council No 68/86, of 27 March 1986, setting the legal scheme of the housing allowance.
- Order in Council No 19/88, of 21 January 1988 (amended by Order in Council no. 202/89, of 232 June 1989), approving the law on hospital management.
- Regulation No 3/88, of 22 January 1988, (amended by Regulations No 7/89, of 4 March 1989, and 14/90, of 6 June 1990) introducing amendments with regard to the overall functioning of hospitals and their services.
- Order in Council No 245/90, of 27 July 1990, establishing the rules governing local social security services.
- Law No 48/90, of 24 August 1990 (Health Act).
- Order in Council No 322/91, of 26 August 1991, approving the Statute of the "Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa" (non-governmental organisation).
- Order in Council No 391/91, of 10 October 1991, establishing the legal scheme of the family reception of old persons and disabled adults.
- Order in Council No 118/92, of 25 June 1992, establishing regulations for the joint funding of medicines by the State.
- Order in Council No 190/92, of 3 September 1992, establishing the legal scheme of the family reception of children and young persons.
- Order in Council No 10/93, of 15 January 1993, establishing the new organisation of the Ministry of Health.
- Order in Council No 11/93, of 15 January 1993, approving the Statute of the National Health Service.
- Order in Council No 217/93, of 16 June 1993, approving the organisational diagram of the General Directorate of Social Welfare.
- Order in Council No 260/93, of 23 July 1993, reorganising regional social security centres.
- Order in Council No 198/95, of 29 July 1995, creating the identity card of the beneficiaries of the National Health Service.
- Law No 19-A/96, of 29 June 1996, setting the guaranteed minimum income within the non-contributory scheme of social security as well as the creation of a social integration program.
- Order in Council No 122/97, of 20 May 1997, establishing the new organisational diagram of the General Directorate of Health
- Order in Council No 196/97, of 31 July 1997, setting regulations for the Law No 19-A/96, of 29 June 1996 (guaranteed minimum income).
- Order-in-Council no. 115/98, of 4 May 1998, approving the Organic Law of the Ministry of Labour and Solidarity.
- Law no. 107/99, of 3 August 1999, establishing the public network of supporting homes for women victims of violence.

Spain

- Framework law of 22 November 1944 relating to National Health.
- Law No. 37 of 21 July 1961 relating to hospital co-ordination.
- General Law of 30 May 1974 on Social Security.
- Decree No. 2176 of 25 August 1978 relating to the activities of the National Plan for the prevention of mental deficiencies.
- Royal Decree-Law No. 276 of 16 November 1978 relating to the institutional management of Social Security, health and employment.
Royal Decree No. 1949 of 31 July 1980 relating to the transfer of Government services to the Generalitat of Catalonia in the field of health and social services and assistance.
- Royal Decree No. 2768 of 26 September 1980 relating to the transfer of Government services to the Autonomous Community of the Basque country in the fields of health and social services and assistance.
- Royal Decree No. 620 of 5 February 1981 relating to the unified regime of public assistance to defectives.
- Royal Decree No. 2620 of 24 July 1981, Regulations governing the grant of aid from the National Fund for Social Assistance to the aged, sick and infirm.
- Royal Decree No. 2347 of 2 October 1981, Regulations of the Secretariat General for Social Assistance.
- Royal Decree No. 2346 of 8 October 1981 relating to the structure and functions of the National Institute for Social Assistance.
- Royal Decree No. 251 of 15 January 1982 relating to the transfer of powers, functions and departments of the National Administration to pre-autonomous entities in the field of social services and assistance.
- Resolutions of 30 January 1982 of the Directorate General for Social Action laying down rules governing the grant of social assistance :

. to drug addicts and alcoholics;
. for the maintenance of assistance centres and departments for the marginalised and the aged; for the support of the activities of associations and federations;
. for the maintenance of young-childhood assistance centres;
. individually and sporadically to persons in need;
. to lepers;
. for the purchase, construction, extension, reform and equipment of centres for the aged and marginalised.

- Order of 16 February 1982 for the setting up of centralised management centres under the National Institute for Social Assistance.
Order of 5 March 1982 in furtherance of Decree No. 620.

Sweden

- Social Services Act of 19 June 1980, No. 620.
- Health and Medical Services Act (SFS 1982 : 763).

Turkey

- Law concerning Public Hygiene, No. 1593, Articles 72/2, 99, 105 and 117.
- Law No. 7402 relating to the campaign against malaria, Article 3/B.
- Law No. 6972, Regulations governing hospital institutions, Articles 57/C and 79.
- Regulations governing Parents-Teachers Associations.
- Law No. 1739 on National Education as amended by the Law No. 43061 of 16 August 1997.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

  Great Britain : The Social Security Act 1986 and regulations made thereunder so far as the Act and regulations relate to Income Support and Family Credit; and the Social Security Act 1986 and regulations made and directions given thereunder so far as the Act regulations and directions relate to payments payable out of the Social Fund referred to in the directions as Crisis Loans.

  Northern Ireland : The Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and regulations made thereunder so far as the Order and regulations relate to Income Support and Family Credit; and the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and regulations made and directions given thereunder so far as the Order regulations and directions relate to payments payable out of the Social Fund referred to in the directions as Crisis Loans.

Laws and regulations concerning Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man establishing National health services.

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