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Free movement good for Europe’s economy |
 Mobile workers from the countries that that joined the EU in 2004 and 2007 have had a positive impact on EU member states' economies and have not led to serious disturbances on their labour markets. That’s according to a report just published by the European Commission.
It says that workers from the EU-8, as well as Bulgaria and Romania, have contributed significantly to sustained economic growth without significantly displacing local workers or driving down their wages. Labour flows have been limited compared to the size of labour markets and to inflows from non-EU countries.
"The right to work in another country is a fundamental freedom for people in the EU. Mobile workers move to where there are jobs available and this benefits the economy," said Vladimír Špidla, commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities.
"I call on member states to consider whether the temporary restrictions on free movement are still needed given the evidence presented in our latest report," he added. "Lifting restrictions now would not only make economic sense but would also help reduce problems such as undeclared work and bogus self-employment."
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