Research
Fraud and error | 2014 - present
Summary
Annual reports with summaries and analyses of information regarding the prevention of and fight against social fraud, provided by the EU Member States. The Member States voluntarily report each year on their experiences and progress concerning cooperation in combating social fraud.
IRIS writes these reports within the framework of the 'Network Statistics FMSSFE', an independent research network consisting of expert teams from HIVA (KU Leuven), Milieu Ltd, the University of Szeged, Eftheia, and IRIS.
- You can find the most recent report here.
Doctoral dissertation: Happiness in the Sky | 2024
Summary
This dissertation aimed to analyze the relationship between working conditions, related management culture, and the general (mental and physical) well-being of European cockpit and cabin crew, and whether this well-being affects safety (behavior) in the professional context.
The results of this research confirm the link between stressed well-being and reduced safety (behavior) outcomes. Safety is associated with a complex combination of factors, but management factors that result in a more favorable employment situation appear to create the most conducive environment for aviation safety.
Fair aviation for all | 2017 - 2018
Summary
The aim of this study was to conduct a desk research into the EU regulatory framework and international aviation, specifically regarding social rights and labor standards, to identify strengths and gaps. The focus was also placed on the concepts of 'principal place of business' and 'operational base' under Regulation (EU) No. 1008/2008, the issue of ground handling staff and business transfers, and the possibility of including social clauses in aviation agreements. This study was carried out in consultation with our partners from the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF).
FreSsco | 2010 - 2017
Summary
The network provided ad hoc comparative information and assessments on specific aspects of various national legislations regarding coordination rules on social security and the free movement of workers. As such, it delivered accurate and up-to-date information on specific aspects of national legislation.
Additionally, the network served as the main organizer of specialized seminars that served multiple purposes: increasing knowledge and awareness of EU rules in relevant legal areas. By bringing together stakeholders from various countries, these seminars also contributed to the establishment of networks among professionals involved in EU coordination of social security and the free movement of workers. The network also served as a reporting channel to the European Commission.
FreSsco has since been renamed to the current MoveS network.
Red Flags: Prevention detection and cooperation in the fight against cross-border social fraud | 2014
Summary
The goal of this project was to examine cross-border cooperation between competent administrations and stakeholders (social partners) and the cross-border exchange of information. The project also analyzed the extent to which legal instruments, e-tools, and Early Warning Systems are implemented and could be improved; how these tools and systems might reduce the need for administrative cooperation and information exchange; and what legal pitfalls might exist in their further implementation. This project was carried out in cooperation with the European Commission.
Aircrew employment: atypical forms of aircrew employment in the European aviation industry | 2014
Summary
The objective of this study was to provide social partners with objective data to allow them to assess the impact of new forms of aircrew employment, such as self-employment, agency work, or temporary employment. The study was also intended to help detect abuses, support a dissuasive message, and identify the subjective and objective reasons airlines use these new forms of atypical employment. This project was carried out in cooperation with the European Cockpit Association (ECA).
English translation of the Social Criminal Code | 2013
Summary
A book-format translation that conveniently presents the English text alongside the original French and Dutch texts, making the Belgian social criminal law framework more accessible to a broader audience, including within the European Union.
Subcontracting | 2011 -2012
Summary
The aim of this study, focusing on the protection of workers’ rights in subcontracting processes within the European Union, was to describe, analyze, and assess the goals, objectives, operation, and effectiveness of existing mechanisms—particularly joint and chain liability schemes. This was in relation to safeguarding workers’ rights during subcontracting, both within the EU and Norway, and in the context of cross-border subcontracting. This project was carried out in cooperation with the European Commission.
ICENUW: Implementing cooperation in a European Network against Undeclared Work | 2010 - 2011
Summary
In this project, European experts examined the current state of social and legal cooperation and assistance between Member States, as well as a system for cross-border information exchange. The project also explored the possibility of an EU legal instrument containing concrete guidelines and examples of clauses. Additionally, it aimed to contribute to the development of a blueprint for possible future actions by the European Commission, approved by all inspection bodies of the Member States. This project was carried out in cooperation with the European Commission.
Turkey: Technical Assistance for Capacity Building of Social Security Institution, Turkey | 2010 - 2011
Summary
The general objective of the project was to assist Turkey in aligning with and complying with the EU’s social acquis, with a particular focus on the coordination of social security systems. Specifically, the project aimed to strengthen the institutional and administrative capacity of the SSI to develop (and implement) appropriate policies in the field of social security coordination. This project was carried out in cooperation with the European Commission and EuropeAid.
TrESS: Training and Reporting on European Social Security | 2004 - 2007 & 2007 - 2010
Summary
The general goal of this project was to ensure the free movement of persons by properly coordinating social security systems, through more intensive transfer and exchange of knowledge on the subject between various key players and institutions at national and European levels, and through the training of an increasing number of practitioners across the Member States. This project was carried out in cooperation with the European Commission.
ACSIS: A European framework for administrative cooperation between social inspection services | 2008
Summary
The objective of the project was to explore the possibility of implementing a European framework that promotes cooperation and data exchange between administrations, in particular social inspection services, involved in combating social fraud. The project examined the legal basis and content of a potential EU instrument (directive or regulation) to promote international cooperation between public authorities and social inspection services. This project was carried out in cooperation with the Belgian Federal Public Service for Social Security.
Earlier projects
- MISSOC: Mutual Information System on Social Protection in the EU | 2003 – 2008
- E4P: Europe for Patients | 2004 – 2008
- Social Fraud: Proposals for a better balance between cross-border employment and social protection | 2006
- Social Security II: Towards a rationalisation of the EC-Coordination Regulations on Social Security | 2003 – 2005
- Social Security I: A better coordination of the Social Security Schemes – Phase 1 | 2001 – 2002
- SPECIAL: Social Protection in Europe. Convergence? Integration, Accession and the Free Movement of Labour | 2001 – 2004
- Observatory: European Observatory for the Social Security of Migrant Workers | 1999
- Implementation: EU-consensus-project: Detailed preparation and planning for the implementation of the EC-coordination rules: Bulgaria/Latvia/Lithuania/Romania/Slovak Republic | 1999
- DISSO: Creating the Slovak Information Centre for Social Protection | 1999