Minister Sasi welcomes EU decision on free movement of labour

Foreign Trade Minister Kimmo Sasi, who is responsible for issues concerning EU enlargement, has welcomed the consensus reached by the EU Council of Ministers meeting in Luxembourg, 11 June, on one of the trickiest questions of enlargement - the free movement of labour.

The ministers agreed that in carrying out enlargement member states can retain their use of work permits concerning new member states for two years, after which the situation will be reviewed. It will be possible to postpone the free movement of labour for a further three years, and after that only for exceptional reasons.

According to Sasi the, free movement of labour will affect Finland more than other EU member states because of the close proximity of non-EU countries. This is why, unlike Sweden, Finland does not immediately intend to open up its labour market. Finland will adhere to the use of work permits for two years, after which it is prepared to revise the practice, unless there are any special problems.

The ministers were preparing for the Gothenburg summit, which starts 14 June, one of the main subjects of which is EU enlargement. The ministers said that Sweden had achieved a breakthrough on this issue during its presidency of the Union. The differences between applicant countries, which began their membership negotiations at different times, have narrowed significantly.

It is particularly remarkable that after lengthy negotiations the Union has achieved a common view on the free movement of capital and labour. For Finland it is important to send the applicant countries a clear message at Gothenburg that current member states are committed to pursuing enlargement to its conclusion in line with the timetables and objectives agreed.

Conclusions of the EU Council (General Affairs)(Link to another website.)