MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on freedom of movement
13.1.2014 - (2013/2960(RSP))
pursuant to Rule 110(2) of the Rules of Procedure
Timothy Kirkhope, Ryszard Antoni Legutko, Janusz Wojciechowski, Ryszard Czarnecki on behalf of the ECR Group
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Title IV of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and to Article 151 thereof,
– having regard to the accession treaties and the associated protocols,
– having regard to Articles 21, 45 and 47 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and to Articles 15, 21, 29, 34 and 45 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights,
– having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 of 15 October 1968 on freedom of movement for workers within the Community[1], as codified by Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the Union[2],
– having regard to Vice-President Reding’s statement to the Justice and Home Affairs Council of 5 December 2013 on free movement,
– having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the right to live and work in another Member State is one of the fundamental freedoms of the EU, as recognised by the Treaties;
B. whereas on 1 January 2014 transitional controls for Bulgaria and Romania came to an end across the EU;
C. whereas mobility flows should be driven mainly by labour demand;
D. whereas, if regulated correctly, the free movement of workers can help to create a stronger European economy and a more flexible EU that is prepared to face the challenges of the global race;
E. whereas modern European society, notably on account of industrial change, globalisation, new work patterns, demographic change and the development of means of transport, calls for a higher degree of mobility among working people;
F. whereas the Commission recently put forward a set of proposals to tackle outstanding issues relating to freedom of movement;
1. Notes that freedom of movement has been a positive factor in the completion of the single market and the development of European economic growth;
2. Calls on the Member States to honour their Treaty obligations as regards EU rules on freedom of movement;
3. Stresses that freedom of movement will remain a positive feature of the EU as long as it is regulated and enforced in a sustainable way and the EU takes action correspondingly against abuses of this right, thereby maintaining EU citizens’ trust and confidence in this principle;
4. Calls on the Council to consider thoroughly the latest Commission communication on reform, including clarification of the ‘habitual residence test’, efforts to address social inclusion challenges, promotion of the exchange of best practices among local authorities, and rules on access to social security;
5. Calls on the Member States to implement their Visa Information Systems and Schengen Information Systems efficiently in order to ensure the security of all EU citizens;
6. Calls on the Member States to ensure that the principles of equality and fundamental rights are upheld for all citizens of the European Union;
7. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that all EU workers are treated equally and fairly, that there is fair competition among businesses, and that economic and social dumping are prevented;
8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.