Poles and Czechs oppose ‘transition periods’ for working in EU

Date: 01/08/01

By John Shelley

Eastern Europeans are strongly opposed to 'transition periods' that would prevent them taking jobs in member states for up to seven years after joining the EU, according to a new opinion poll.

It found that 73 of Poles and 69 of Czechs are against their governments agreeing to the demands by existing governments that make up the Union.

Almost half of Poles (47) and more than a third of Czechs (37) feel so strongly that they say their country should "definitely not" accept such lengthy restrictions.

Only 2 of Czechs and 4 of Poles say their political leaders should accept the seven-year conditions set out by the Union.

The figures call into question claims by some member states and the European Commission that the proposed transition periods are designed to protect applicant countries from a 'brain drain' and are not just for the benefit of current member states.

While opposed to restrictions on their own freedom of movement, nationals from the two countries are in favour of restrictions in the other direction, the survey reveals.

Some 64 of Poles and 58 of Czechs think foreigners should, at least temporarily, be restricted from buying land in their country after accession.

The survey also reveals widespread gloom about the economic future in Poland.

A total of 71 think Poland is currently in a bad or very bad economic situation and only 14 think things will get any better in the next year.

Czechs are relatively more positive: only 40 think their economy is in bad shape while 21 think things will get better in the next 12 months.

Eastern Europeans are strongly opposed to 'transition periods' that would prevent them taking jobs in Member States for up to seven years after joining the EU, according to a new opinion poll.