The European Commission also joined the deputies' demand. The treaties on accession to the European Union stipulate that the old EU member states may restrict access of labor from newly acceded EU countries to their labor market for no more than seven years. Starting in 2009, an extension of the restriction for another two years will be possible only if there are compelling reasons. Many deputies from Germany and Austria oppose the removal of such restrictions.
Only in Ireland, since 2004, 85,000 hired workers from countries that are new members of the European Union have officially registered. This is a fairly large figure for a small state. Nevertheless, Poles, Hungarians, and Czechs are received there very willingly. This is connected with the rapid rise of the Irish economy.
In the United Kingdom, the number of people from these countries wanting to find work also exceeded all expectations, but the British also willingly use the services of citizens from the new EU member states. Ireland and the United Kingdom initially introduced no special restrictions for them. Sweden also always adhered to a policy of open borders. In that country, fears that citizens arriving from Eastern Europe could create difficulties for the state's social system did not come true – after all, those who find work there also have access to the social system. But even so, in Sweden the economy and standard of living are all in order.
Following these three states, part of the remaining 12 countries that previously joined the EU are ready, if not to remove all restrictions, then at least to minimize them. This applies to Spain, Finland, Portugal, and with certain reservations – Denmark. Also, the Netherlands announces its intention to remove all restrictions from January 1 of next year – the government of that country has already made such a decision.
As for France, it declares a gradual simplification of access to its labor market. As Dutch labor market expert Ria Oomen noted during the debate in the European Parliament, “today it is important not to fence oneself off deafly, not to be afraid, but it is important that the necessary control exists in order to avoid a decline in the standard of living.”
In turn, Germany and Austria have openly made it clear that at least until 2009 they do not intend to introduce free access to their labor markets for citizens from the new EU member states. In their opinion, the restriction period could be extended until 2011. German Member of the European Parliament, CDU representative Thomas Mann, cited the following argument in favor of extending the restrictions: “In countries with a high level of unemployment, immigration will not lead to the creation of new jobs and will not increase competitiveness.”
Belgium is also cautiously considering the possibility of lifting restrictions on access to its labor market. The European Commission insists on completely free access. Brussels argues that restricting open access only stimulates the black labor market in European states.
Gennady KONSTANTINOV.
Deutsche Welle