The European Commission has released a report setting out in a consolidated the rights of Europeans to live and work in another European country. The report further provided an update on legal developments in the past decade.

Currently, 2.3 per cent of people in the EU reside in an EU member state other than their own. However a new Eurobarometer survey also presented on 13th July finds that 17 per cent of Europeans envisage working abroad in the future and 48 per cent would consider looking for work in another country or region if they were to lose their job.

‘The right to live and work in another European country is one of the EU’s fundamental freedoms, but too few people currently take advantage of this right.’ said László Andor, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. ‘Worker mobility can help reduce unemployment by matching people with jobs available. Europeans recognise this fact, but still face barriers to moving around Europe for work. That’s why we want to make it easier for them to move around and have made this is a priority in our Europe 2020 Strategy.’

Today’s policy Communication on ‘Reaffirming the free movement of workers’ offers an updated picture of the rights of EU migrant workers taking into account legal developments over the past decade. It clarifies the impact of a series of judgements by the EU Court of Justice and how they apply to these rights. At the same time, it aims to raise awareness of the rights of migrant workers.

The European Commission will look into facilitating and promoting intra-EU mobility in the context of the new strategy for the single market.

The Eurobarometer survey found that:

• Most Europeans think countries or regions is good for EU integration, half think it is good for the economy, labour market and individuals, but fewer think it is good for families.
• 10 per cent of Europeans say that they have lived abroad for either work or within or outside the EU at some point in their lives, while 13 per cent have done so for education and training.
• 41 per cent know a friend of relative who has either worked or studied abroad.
• 17 per cent of Europeans envisage working abroad in the future, ranging from 51 per cent in Denmark to just 4 per cent in Italy. 34 per cent of Europeans rate the chances of finding a job abroad better than at home.
• Unemployment is a strong reason to move with 48 per cent of Europeans would consider moving regions or countries for work if they lost their job.

If you are planning a move abroad to a European country or any type of international move, then why not contact Robinsons removals, the expert removals company when it comes to packing and shipping your personal belongings abroad.

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