THE HAGUE, 08/11/06 - The Netherlands has signed an accord with Slovakia on social fraud. The agreements anticipate completely free movement of labour from countries that joined the EU in 2004.

Social Affairs State Secretary Henk van Hoof and his Slovakian counterpart Tomanova signed the agreement in The Hague on combating illegal labour, such as working without a licence, and black work. Agreements were also made on maintaining the Work and Welfare Act. Thus, Slovakia will cooperate on assessing foreign capital if someone applies for welfare payments.

"The agreements with the Slovaks fit in with the cabinet's efforts towards free movement of labour from the Central and East European countries that joined the EU in 2004," according to Van Hoof's ministry. "Agreements are being made with these countries to prevent black or illegal work and abuse of social provisions in the Netherlands."

Slovakia is the first country with which the Netherlands has reached agreement. Talks are still underway with the Poles, Czechs and Hungarians. "The cabinet wants to achieve free movement for workers from these countries in the short term," according to Van Hoof.