Free movement is at the heart of the European project. The right to work, study, live, and retire in another European Union (EU) Member State provides numerous social, cultural, and economic benefits for EU countries and citizens…
Free movement is at the heart of the European project. The right to work, study, live, and retire in another European Union (EU) Member State provides numerous social, cultural, and economic benefits for EU countries and citizens—from more efficient labour markets to increased cultural exchanges and educational opportunities. Yet the merits and impacts of intra-EU mobility continue to be debated especially since the last set of ‘transitional arrangements’—restrictions countries could place on workers from the newer Member States—are soon to expire. Meanwhile, scars left by the economic crisis leave commentators questioning how obstacles to free movement could be lifted to enable Europe’s labour markets to function more smoothly.
