THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF MIGRATION POLICY
EU Workers
© PECO-Institut e.V.
Free movement of persons is one of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by community law (Article 39 of the EC Treaty) and is also an essential element of European citizenship. Community rules on free movement of workers also apply to member states of the European Economic Area (i.e. to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). The relevant rights are complemented by a system for the co-ordination of social security schemes and by a system to ensure the mutual recognition of diplomas.
The Accession Treaty allows for the introduction of 'transitional measures.' Commonly referred to in EU circles as the '2+3+2-year arrangement', this scheme gives the possibility to the member states to keep restrictions in place on the labour market.
European Commission
- Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and the Council on working conditions for temporary workers, 2002
- Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, Report on the Functioning of the Transitional Arrangements set out in the 2003 Accession Treaty (period 1 May 2004-30 April 2006)
- Free movement of workers - achieving the full benefits and potential
- Report on the Functioning of the Transitional Arrangements set out in the 2003 Accession Treaty (period 1 May 2004 - 30 April 2006)
- The transitional arrangements for the free movement of workers from the new member states following enlargment of the European Union on 1 May 2004
- 2006: A boost for workers' mobility, but challenges lie ahead
- Transitional Arrangements, Bulgaria and Romania, 2005