Although labour mobility is one of the founding principles of the European Union (EU), there is still much room for improvement, particularly for young people. Eurostat estimates that half of unemployed young people in the EU are willing to settle elsewhere to get a job, according to Nayla Glaise, speaking at the ETUC Congress
Professional mobility is an important tool for career development for European professionals, both in terms of geographical and occupational manners.
The introduction of the European Professional Card (EPC) this year is one of the major achievements of the modernisation of the Professional Qualifications Directive. But only few professions are the lucky ones to have established such a card.
Rather than a development creating more obstacles for Transatlantic mobility the EU should work for making it easier to work and travel across the pond.
The financial crisis and the lack of jobs have caused brain drain, increasing migration of highly educated and skilled workers from the South and East to seek work in the North and West of Europe.
Europe is recovering from the economic crisis that has left its mark on many peoples’ lives. Nearly one quarter of EU citizens (24.6 %) are currently regarded as being at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Freedom of movement of persons is undoubtedly one of the most important values of the EU. Moreover, labour mobility in particular can contribute to better match labour supply with demand, helping to raise employment levels.
Sometimes the enthusiasm to work abroad is tempered by practical inconveniences and uncertainties causing feelings of suspicion and doubts. Considerations and questions arise like… will my partner be happy there?
A fresh analysis shows that TTIP would have positive employment and income effects in many EU countries. On the other side, effects would be minimal in countries such as Germany, France and Italy. The trade unions are demanding that TTIP has to serve citizens; it needs a strong labour chapter and high standards must be preserved.
One of the greatest achievements of the EU is free movement of people and particularly the possibility to work in another member state. Despite of this, intra-EU mobility is low and only around 7 million Europeans live and work in another EU country. Nevertheless, the political discussion in Europe is focused on benefit tourism, even if it has been proven that people mainly move after jobs.