• How would you describe the contribution of the Working Group Legislation to the main objectives of the European Forum?

The Working Group Legislation makes an important contribution to the European Forum’s objectives by promoting an ongoing exchange of views on European legal and political developments. In this context, our group co-operates with European institutions and organisations, who are often invited to contribute to our meetings, which leads not only to interesting and insightful discussions but also to timely access to important information, for example on European legislative initiatives.

The Working Group Legislation also helps the other bodies of the European Forum to better understand new legal requirements by analysing and sharing information about them. To carry out our tasks, to achieve a high standard of protection throughout Europe and to ensure that the systems for insurance against accidents at work and occupational diseases are sustainably designed and continuously advanced, our Working Group also produces overviews, reports and position papers.

In addition, the Working Group Legislation supports an exchange about major developments in national legislation during its meetings to offer, if necessary, technical assistance among the members in political and legal debates about national reforms. In such cases, we often find that national reform efforts are similar.

• What key activities and achievements of the Working Group over the past year would you highlight as the most significant?

The key activity and achievement of the Working Group Legislation was the work on the Association’s Statute and its successful revision. This included the review and further development of its provisions to ensure that the Statute remains fit for purpose and aligns with the Association’s character and main objectives. Therefore, our initiative was to clarify regulations, reflect current practice and address issues related to the Association’s name, the positioning and representation of interests towards the EU institutions, membership and decision-making as well as governance

• How have recent legal and regulatory developments at the European level influenced the Group’s work and priorities?

Recent EU initiatives to reduce administrative burdens through digitalisation and automation as well as simplifying law have significantly influenced the work of the Working Group Legislation. Our group examined how these measures, together with broader political efforts to enhance Europe’s competitiveness and economic strength, affect social security and particularly safety and health at work without compromising workers’ rights or legal certainty.

Our working group took note that increased digitalisation and streamlined procedures are expected to help administrations – including insurances against accidents at work and occupational diseases as well as labour inspections – become fit for the future. This is why it was worth looking at the effects, on the one hand, on the institutions themselves and on the other hand on the rule of law, and particularly the legality of an administrative decision. In addition, a survey among the members of the Working Groups Legislation and Digitalisation was launched which results will soon be shared with both groups.

I think this topic shows again: the exchange of experiences between members is highly valuable. It enables the Members of the European Forum to use the combined strength of the Association in analysis and eventually action.

• What topics were discussed during the last Working Group Meeting held on 17th June 2026?

The focus was on the revision and implementation of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 on the coordination of social security systems. After nearly ten years of negotiations, a provisional political agreement was reached on 22 April 2026, marking a significant milestone in modernising the EU social security framework in response to increased labour mobility, evolving forms of work and the need for stronger administrative cooperation. The long-awaited revision introduces substantial changes across several key areas. These include stricter rules for determining the applicable legislation, especially for posted workers and individuals working in multiple Member States.

Next to the revision, our group focused on practical challenges in applying EU social security coordination rules, especially in complex cross-border employment situations. A key issue raised was the frequent lack of clarity about the competent Member State, particularly in cases involving multi-state employment, late or missing A1 certificates and retroactive determinations of applicable legislation.

Furthermore, we discussed about a judgement of the German Federal Court of Justice on the applicability of the German limitation of liability to an EU citizen and on the application of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004. The decision highlights the importance of the social security coordination between Member States, especially the principle of equal treatment. This should also apply with regard to liability privileges in the national social security systems, even though the specific form these take is inherent in the respective national system and the fundamental concept underlying it. Our group was critical of the court decision and is now collecting structured information from the members on their systems of limitation of liability and recourse in the accident insurance scheme and relevant private law to compare the rules. Our idea is to prepare social accident insurance institutions for similar cross-border cases in the future.

• What are the main priorities and planned activities of the Working Group Legislation for the upcoming period, and which issues will receive particular focus?

In addition to analysing new EU initiatives in the field of employment and social affairs, such as the Quality Jobs Act and the ESSPASS initiative, the Working Group Legislation will continue to focus on the practical implementation of the new social security coordination rules and the further development of the two Regulations.

I am also planning a process of identifying and prioritizing key topics for the next meeting to ensure that all member issues are adequately addressed and that our group’s work continues to support the association’s objectives in a sustainable and effective manner.

• What does participating in an international legal working group mean to you personally and in what ways has this experience enriched you?

Participating in a group like the Working Group Legislation of the European Forum is personally very rewarding because it provides an opportunity to exchange views with legal experts from across Europe, gain insights into different legal systems and approaches, and contribute to discussions on issues that affect social security systems and especially accident insurance schemes.

The open dialogue and knowledge-sharing among our members is enriching. This not only deepens professional expertise but also helps build strong networks and a greater understanding of different institutional and cultural approaches. Moreover, the exchange about new political and legal developments with impact on the insurances against accidents at work and occupational diseases as well as of best practices and insights in our institutions is highly valuable, it supports good decision-making and strengthens bi- and multilateral cooperation.

Working closely and trustfully together in such a group promotes the establishment of strong, trustworthy professional and personal relationships that turn out to be very fruitful and rewarding.

Looking Ahead: The Value of European Cooperation

With these final thoughts, we conclude the interview with Dr Gregor Kemper. The interview highlights not only the professional value of the Working Group, but also the lasting importance of trust, dialogue and cooperation across borders. Beyond addressing legal and regulatory developments, the Working Group provides a space for exchanging insights and experiences, mutual learning and building valuable professional relationships. Its work demonstrates how European cooperation can turn diverse national perspectives into shared knowledge and more effective approaches to addressing the challenges facing insurance against accidents at work and occupational diseases. ●