Freedom of movement vital, say MEPs

STRASBOURG - MEPS have called for a resolution on the application of the EU directive which permits the free mobility of EU citizens.

The joint resolution on the application of directive 2004/38/EC comes after calls from the leaders of Italy and Romania for the EU to do more to help integrate migrants.

“The principle of freedom of movement is not abstract but rather a very tangible value…it is important that any limits are made crystal clear in law,” said Italian socialist deputy Claudio Fava Wednesday.

"No form of mass expulsion may be entertained," he added.

The move by MEPs comes after recent events in Rome in which a Romanian man was accused of murdering an Italian woman, leading to an emergency decree by Italy allowing deportations of any foreigners considered a security threat.

Green Italian deputy Monica Frassoni added that it was essential to take a proper look at the situation of migrants in the country before deciding to allow mass deportation.

“I would be in favour of working with the various bodies that are expressing solidarity with the migrants to see what the reality is. We should take action on the basis of solid data,” she said.

Italian liberal deputy Alfonso Andria also called for a thorough examination of the facts.

“We need to address this at the national level…the mechanism of integration is being impeded,” he said.

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