By Martin Banks - 17th January 2008
Fears that the EU would be swamped with migrants from eastern Europe following its latest expansion have been dispelled as a “myth”.
A new report by the European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) focuses on the impact of Bulgaria and Romania’s entry to the EU in January 2007.
It says that most emigration from the two former communist countries took place “well before” accession and involved traditional countries of destination, including Greece, Spain and Portugal.
Some EU countries imposed measures restricting access to their labour markets for job-hunters from Bulgaria and Romania.
But, in the report, ECAS says labour migration has contributed to growth rates and, generally, complemented the domestic workforce in most countries.
“This report ought finally to put to rest the myth of the Polish plumber,” said Tony Venables, director of the Brussels-based organisation.
“Restrictions based on exaggerated predictions of an influx of job seekers or a deviation of mobility to countries opening up their labour markets proved unfounded.
“Transitional measures were taken after the horse bolted.”
ECAS says that only 10, mostly new member states, opened up their markets to Bulgaria and Romania.
“Amongst the countries that chose to restrict access to their labour markets, the most notable U-turn is that of the UK and Ireland, both switching from a liberal approach,” said Venables.
The report suggests they should “think twice” and the other 13 member states should change their minds.
The report, published during this week’s parliamentary plenary in Strasbourg, calls on the commission to end transitional measures.
It says, “While transitional arrangements from the 2004 enlargement are tending to be phased out, the new ones in the case of Bulgaria and Romania have little justification.”
ECAS was set up in 1991 to promote the rights of EU citizens.
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