REMINDER

Proyecto Europeo REMINDER (The Role of European Mobility and its impacts in narratives, debates and EU Reforms).

Free movement of workers is a fundamental principle of the European Union and it has become an integral part of Member States’ economies and societies. This principle is supported by an extensive policy framework of work authorisation, access to social and tax advantages and mutual recognition of professional qualifications, among many others. Free movement brings benefits to EU mobile citizens who can earn higher salaries abroad, acquire work experience, and learn a new language. Employers in host countries also benefit from the additional labour supply. However, intra-EU mobility also brings economic, social and political challenges and faces a difficult political environment with the rising support for Eurosceptic parties across Europe. Public concerns range from the potential consequences for the delivery of public services to which EU citizens are entitled (e.g. health, education, social housing), to questions of sovereignty and national control of borders.

Making the most of the movement of workers across Europe is a crucial but complex challenge for policymakers. An important component in this effort is to understand both the impacts of free movement and the processes through which public narratives and public opinion about these impacts are formed. The purpose of REMINDER is to increase the knowledge base on these issues.