Freer movement in European Union but restrictions remain

"Old" and "new" Europe took a step closer on 1 May 2006 as Spain, Portugal, Finland and Greece opened their labour markets to workers from the 8 Central and Eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004. They join Britain, Ireland and Sweden who opened their labour markets when the new members joined two years ago. With 2006 being the European year of workers' mobility the news received a cautiously optimistic response from some Members of the European Parliament closely involved in the issue.