Press Release: Enlargement: Commission proposes flexible transitional arrangements for the free movement of workers

The European Commission agreed, on 11.4.01, to propose transitional arrangements to phase in full rights to free movement of workers for new member states. The proposal envisages a general transition period of five years with a possible extension by individual member states for a further two years. After no more than seven years, free movement of workers would operate fully across all Member States. The aim of this proposal is to meet concerns where they arise and where they are justified, while allowing for mobility of workers.