Press Release: Free movement of workers: EU requests Italy to end discriminatory access to student accomodation

The European Commission requested Italy on 24 June 2010 to put and end to discriminatory conditions in competitions for university students to access low rent apartments in Milan. The Commission considers the disciminatory rules to be in breach of EU law on free movement of workers. The Italian provisions require students to have resided in Italy in the preceding five years. The Commission considers that this places foreign students at a disadvantage and that the rules amount to indirect discrimination against migrant workers and their families. The request takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion' under EU infringement procedures. In the absence of a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission may decide to refer Italy to the EU's Court of Justice