Deportation of European citizens from EU Member States

25.2.2014

Question for written answer E-002211-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Edite Estrela (S&D)

It has recently been reported that 13 EU Member States are in the habit of deporting citizens of other European countries, with Belgium a prime example, having deported 4812 European citizens during the course of 2013.

A number of EU countries have been making their immigration policies more restrictive and limiting immigrants’ access to social benefits, as in the case of the United Kingdom, which has deported European citizens for living on the streets or begging.

Such practices contradict the humanist values on which the European project is based, as well as the principle of free movement of citizens within the EU.

Is the Commission aware of this practice of deporting European citizens from EU Member States?

What measures does it plan to take to halt this practice and defend citizens’ rights and the cohesion of the European project?

OJ C 365, 15/10/2014