Free movement of persons within the European Community

Book abstract:

This book takes the crucial economic factor of free movement within the European Community as its starting point. It considers the problem of free movement in all its complexity, and incorporates discussions on visas, the free movement of workers, posted workers, the harmonisation of professional qualifications, the freedom to provide and receive services, European citizenship, and agreements between the EC and other countries. While referring to major treaties like the Treaties of Amsterdam and Nice, it also assesses secondary legislation and soft law, such as draft treaties, resolutions, and draft legislation.

After the introduction, which explores the historical and socio-economic context of free movement, as well as the institutional framework and questions of non-discrimination, the book is structured into ten sections. These examine, respectively, issues of basic legal provisions for free movement, the free movement of workers, problems of establishment, the freedom to provide and receive services, the right of residence, matters of public policy, security and health, European citizenship, the rights of Third Country nationals within in the EC, and international agreements.

The book is directed at legal practitioners, officials of the EC and other economic unions, undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as those generally interested in the issue of European integration.