Application of the free movement directive by the UK
17.1.2017
Question for written answer P-000226-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE) , Catherine Bearder (ALDE)
In April 2012 the Commission launched infringement proceedings against the UK regarding the application of the free movement Directive 2004/38/EC[1]. The directive stipulates that EU citizens who settle in another Member State but do not work there may be required to have sufficient resources and to take out sickness insurance. The UK, however, does not consider entitlement to treatment by the UK public healthcare scheme (the National Health Service or NHS) as sufficient. According to the Commission, this is in breach of EC law. Given the current extensive media reports on the topic[2] as well as the multiple signals we are receiving from EU citizens residing in the UK indicating that the situation has not been rectified, can the Commission:
- 1.provide an update as regards the outcome of the infringement procedure against the UK regarding the application of the free movement directive;
- 2.state what further measures it will take to protect the rights of EU citizens in the Union, and in particular the right of free movement?
- [1] http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-12-417_EN.htm
- [2] https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/28/dutch-woman-with-two-british-children-told-to-leave-uk-after-24-years; https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jan/14/dutchwoman-resident-in-uk-for-30-years-may-have-to-leave-after-brexit; https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/dec/30/scrap-insurance-rule-stay-at-home-parents-eu-tory-mp-sarah-wollaston