Hungary initiates infringement procedure against Austria over family benefits changes

Hungary's government has turned to the European commissioner for employment and social affairs with a view to initiating an infringement procedure against Austria over the issue of benefits for family members of workers posted abroad, a justice ministry official said on Monday. On January 1, Austria cut family benefits paid for foreigners working in the country to the price levels of the country of residence of the child. State secretary Pal Volner said Hungary will turn to the Court of Justice of the European Union if the European Commission opts against launching an infringement procedure against Austria.