Press Release: Free movement of workers

The Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) on 20 December 2013 approved a directive on measures facilitating the exercise of rights conferred on workers in the context of their free movement within the Union.

The directive guarantees real and effective judicial protection to Union workers and members of their family who have been subject to discrimination on the grounds of nationality, or to any unjustified restriction and obstacles to their right to free movement. It deals in particular with non-discrimination on grounds of nationality, as regards access to employment, conditions of employment and work, such as remuneration, dismissal, as well as tax and social advantages, by ensuring their equal treatment when they move to another member state.

The free movement of workers gives every citizen of the Union, irrespective of his or her place of residence, the right to move freely to another member state in order to work and/or reside there for work purpose.