Yes Ernie yes you can, every european union country is charter bound to provode 'basic finacial assistance' to any citizen of a member nation, no matter what the sun and the daily mail would have you believe.
In many EU countries, France, Germany, Austria, Italy if you are a citizen or have worked there in unbroken employment for more than 2 years (sometimes more depending on country) and your are made redundant or lose your job through no fault of your own you are entitled to unemployment benefit of 85-95% of your previous wage, this INCLUDES working for an employment agency imagine if the UK did that, surprisingly not that many people take the piss and use the system to their advantage, unlike the UK. Although it is conditional, if you are self employed or classed as an 'entrepreneur' or own a company you cannot claim full benefit, just like the uk and can only claim just the basic if your company fails.
If you went to say, Italy, looking for work you would be entitled to state financial assistance until you found work.
Hope that has answered your question.
