I totally agree - we are so conceited if we believe that a handful of Brits who may/maynot abuse the AE system would cause Sarko to change one of his most successful (?) projects. Oh and thankyou Albert for all the great suggestions. As someone 'new' to this forum it is disappointing to encounter the faint whiff of anger and resentment from some 'established members' for those who are struggling to set up lives in France .... I thought the forum was a place to support and inform? if creative use of the AE system can help a diabetic realise his dreams, enable early retirees who have worked for over a decade to emigrate, or enable a young family to remain, then good for them - how about a little assistance and goodwill? Numerous threads from really desperate people (not all freeloaders just unfortunates) since the health regs changed - i for one wish them well...... now could someone please outline a cast iron, incontestable way to prove 5 years residence?