On Thursday the European Commission (EC) launched an infringement procedure against Austria for reducing child benefits to Austrian-based foreign workers whose children live in poorer EU countries. “With indexation you are not doing anything against social dumping or social tourism. On the contrary, you are hitting those who get up in the morning and work hard.” said and EC spokesperson. Those who work and pay their social security and tax in an EU state should get the same social security benefits as local workers said Marianne Thyssen, commissioner for employment and social affairs.