EBA - Mobility of workers: same rights for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens

Mobility of workers: same rights for Bulgarian and Romanian citizens

The mobility of workers, fair treatment for the citizens of all Member States and lessening the burden of the employment process were the highlights of today's public hearing 'Mobility of workers in the Single Market in times of crisis - with or without Romanians and Bulgarians?', organised by the EPP Group in the European Parliament. The meeting was led by Bulgarian and Romanian MEPs together with the Labour Ministers from both countries and counted the presence of Hristo Stoichkov, a prominent footballer and Honorary Consul to Spain, and Costel Busuioc, winner of the Spanish talent contest Hijos de Babel.  

The Chairman of the EPP Group, Joseph Daul MEP, opened the discussions underlining the need for solidarity among all Member States with regard to the EU labour market. "I call for the free movement of workers as soon as possible. This needs to become reality for the citizens of Bulgaria and Romania. Freedom of movement is one of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Treaties. It has developed in practice over the years, even if it is not yet fully implemented, it is a growth factor of the European economy. In this period of debt and growth crisis we must do everything to further stimulate the mobility of workers."  Bulgarian and Romanian MEPs reiterated the necessity of applying the same rules and rights to all EU citizens.  "Maintaining the restrictions in some Member States has no economic basis - it is due to political reasons. Among other obstacles to mobility is the recognition of professional qualifications which has to become only a formality and not a long time and money consuming phase. Unfortunately, the current obstacles in the way of mobility are different - from psychological and cultural barriers sometimes generated by stereotypes, to bureaucratic administrative procedures. The first obstacles are more difficult to manage, the second ones can be analysed and solved", stated Elena Basescu MEP.  Iliana Ivanova MEP underlined the positive aspects of an undivided labour market. "We need a working single market and this is key to tackling the crisis. This is why we should overcome our fears and remove the barriers to achieve this goal. I believe that lifting the labour restrictions for the citizens of Bulgaria and Romania could have a great input for the progress of our common labour market with their high quality experience. I am happy to see so many different decision-makers from so many different areas. They gathered today around our initiative and this is already a positive and very big step further towards a better Europe."  The hearing was held in three panels: 'Free movement of workers', 'Recognition of professional qualifications in the EU' and 'More rights for citizens of the future Single Market'.