Ascultă Radio România Actualitaţi Live

Free movement within the EU

Britain’s having lifted labor market restrictions on Romanians and Bulgarians continues to be a controversial issue in that country.

Free movement within the EU

Articol de Radio România Internaţional, 16 Februarie 2014, 20:08

Figures are unarguable proof. In the UK, 77% of the EU migrants have a job, while the comparable figure for Britons is 72% and for non-EU migrants it stands at 60%. Statistical figures made public by the Vice President of the European Commission, Viviane Reding, might just set the record straight as regards the alleged risk of an invasion of foreigners, and might debunk the alarmist discourse of politicians and the media.

After the Poles, who have been at the center of a populist and xenophobic discourse over the past ten years, it’s now the Romanians’ and Bulgarians’ turn to be pointed at. Far from having invaded Britain or any other developed country, after the lifting, on January 1st, of the labor market restrictions, Romanians and Bulgarians are, according to Viviane Reding, net contributors in the countries where they work.

Moreover, in a debate hosted by the European Parliament on Wednesday, the EC Vice President said that the freedom of movement is a right enjoyed by all citizens, as a consequence of the fact that their country is a EU member and politicians have responsibilities in this respect. The politicians’ duty, Reding went on to say, it’s not only to underline the fact that Europe has values they have capitalized and developed on.

They also have the responsibility to fight against abuse, assist where needed and counteract public perceptions that are not founded on economic reality.

According to Viviane Reding, the main problem as far as integration is concerned is the Roma population. This is not only a problem of Romania and Bulgaria, the EC Vice President has explained, but of all European countries that are home to a total of 12 million Roma people. The Romanian MEP, political analyst Cristian Preda, is one of the initiators of the debate in the European Parliament. Cristian Preda has argued that in London, the intolerant discourse has often been taken over, for electoral purposes, by supposedly respectable politicians.

Cristian Preda: “There is an anti-European party that uses any opportunity it has, to build an identity. This party is the United Kingdom Independence Party. Unfortunately, there are several other parties that enjoy more credibility on the political stage, that are trying to increase their popularity by having a public discourse based on intolerance. This fact has been confirmed by all experts and politicians who spoke at the debate.”

The Central Electoral Bureau will regularly present data on voter turnout
News in English 28 Aprilie 2025, 02:32

The Central Electoral Bureau will regularly present data on voter turnout

The Central Electoral Bureau has announced that it will regularly present data on the turnout of Romanian citizens at the...

The Central Electoral Bureau will regularly present data on voter turnout
Free medical admission courses
News in English 28 Aprilie 2025, 02:31

Free medical admission courses

The ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest is supporting those who want to become...

Free medical admission courses
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Bucharest, Aurel Perca, attended the funeral of Pope Francisc
News in English 26 Aprilie 2025, 19:58

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Bucharest, Aurel Perca, attended the funeral of Pope Francisc

Archbishop Aurel Perca, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bucharest, attended the ceremony in Rome, representing the Catholic...

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Bucharest, Aurel Perca, attended the funeral of Pope Francisc
Romanian Christians pay tribute to Pope Francis
News in English 26 Aprilie 2025, 19:57

Romanian Christians pay tribute to Pope Francis

Christians in Romania, regardless of denomination, pay homage to His Holiness Pope Francis. In Resita, two exhibitions and an...

Romanian Christians pay tribute to Pope Francis
Saturday, national day of mourning in Romania in memory of Pope Francisc
News in English 25 Aprilie 2025, 22:02

Saturday, national day of mourning in Romania in memory of Pope Francisc

Saturday will be a day of national mourning in Romania, in memory of Pope Francisc. The country's flag will be lowered at...

Saturday, national day of mourning in Romania in memory of Pope Francisc
Justice Minister: the May elections will take place and we will not have a 'second round back'
News in English 25 Aprilie 2025, 22:01

Justice Minister: the May elections will take place and we will not have a 'second round back'

The May elections will take place and we will not have a second round, the Minister of Justice assures, after a judge of the...

Justice Minister: the May elections will take place and we will not have a 'second round back'
EU Budget Commissioner visits Romania
News in English 24 Aprilie 2025, 15:34

EU Budget Commissioner visits Romania

The European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud, Fight against Fraud and Public Administration, Piotr Serafin, is visiting...

EU Budget Commissioner visits Romania
Executive agenda
News in English 24 Aprilie 2025, 15:33

Executive agenda

The government meets on Thursday to approve, among other things, the unblocking of more than 62.000 teaching posts in...

Executive agenda