Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Free movement of EU citizens and their families: five actions to make a difference

The right of EU citizens to freely move to and live in any EU country, along with their family members, is one of the four fundamental freedoms enshrined in EU law and a cornerstone of EU integration.

EU workers have benefited from this freedom since the 1960s. Twenty years ago, with the Treaty of Maastricht, the right to free movement was recognised for all EU citizens, whether they are economically active or not. Since then, being able to move freely for purposes other than working, for instance to retire, study or accompany family, has become an essential feature of EU citizenship.

In 2004, legislation and case-law setting out the conditions for and limitations on the right of residence were codified. In 2009, the Commission provided guidance to Member States on the correct application of the rules and since then has pursued a rigorous enforcement policy, as a result of which nearly 90% of transposition issues have been solved. The focus is now on application on the ground.

To EU citizens, free movement is the right most closely associated with EU citizenship. Altogether 56% of European citizens see it as the most positive achievement of the EU. In addition, 67% of EU citizens think that free movement brings economic benefits for their country’s economy.

At the same time as free movement brings benefits to Europeans and to the EU economy as a whole, it can create challenges for local communities faced with new inflows. The economic crisis has accentuated a debate in some Member States on the impact of free movement on national social systems and on the pressures on local services.

This communication aims to clarify EU citizens' rights and obligations as well as the conditions and limitations under EU law, and aims to address the concerns raised by some Member States. It sets out five actions to help Member States and their local authorities to apply EU laws and tools to their full potential. This includes the full use of EU structural and investment funds.

EUR-Lex: COM(2013)837: Follow the progress of this communication through the decision-making procedure http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2013:837:FIN

ESO: Background information: Free movement of people: five actions to benefit citizens, growth and employment in the EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-free-movement-of-people-five-actions-to-benefit-citizens-growth-and-employment-in-the-eu/

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