For decades, citizens in the border region have lived and worked on the other side of the border. However, due to differences in laws and regulations between the Netherlands and Germany, this is accompanied by the necessary obstacles. The Social Insurance Bank, the Tax Office and the Finanzamt therefore regularly sat around the table to discuss what border commuters encountered. An efficiency drive followed: it was decided to speak not only about, but also with cross-border commuters. In the summer of 2000, the first official border commuter consultation hour was a fact.
In order to provide border commuters with even better advice, more and more bodies became involved in the consultation hour over time and, in addition to the Social Insurance Bank's German Affairs Office, the Tax Office and the Finanzamt, the UWV, the Agentur für Arbeit, the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Rheinland, the Barmer Krankenkasse, the Jobcenter Kleve and trade unions such as FNV, CNV and DGB also made their appearance. And this is much needed. ‘Over the years, cases have become more complicated and personal situations need to be taken into account on several levels,’ said Andreas Kochs, secretary of the Euregio Rhine-Waal. ‘Closer cooperation and mutual coordination are then a logical consequence and have become good practice over the years - both regionally and supra-regionally with the other Euregios and Border Information Points along the Dutch-German border.’
During the festive occasion, (former) employees and partners of the consultation hour literally opened a book on their experiences and adventures from the past years. A number of them were interviewed for the ‘Das GIPt's doch nicht’ book and spoke about this in person at the meeting. The first copies of the book were presented to the regular partners of the consultation hour. In addition, GrensInfoPunt and EURES adviser Carola Schroer, who as the longest-serving employee was responsible for organising the consultation hour for many years, gave a eulogy on the consultation hour, in which she was able to draw on a rich archive brimming with anecdotes. Marco Flipse, GrensInfoPunt coordinator, focused on the future and thanked everyone who has supported the GrensInfoPunt in recent years. Afterwards, there was an opportunity for networking over a snack and drink and all attendees were allowed to receive a “Das GIPt's doch nicht” copy.
Due to the summer holidays, border commuters can return to the next border consultation hour on 30 September. Those wishing to seek advice in the meantime can contact the Border Information Point by phone on +49 (0)2821 793079 or by email to gip@euregio.org. An overview of all consultation hours can be found at: www.grenzinfo.eu/erw/nl/spreekdagen/
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
