Freedom of movement for workers

The freedom of movement for workers is a policy chapter of the acquis communautaire of the European Union. It is part of the free movement of persons and one of the four economic freedoms: free movement of goods, services, labour and capital. Article 45 TFEU (ex 39 and 48) states that:



The right to free movement has both 'horizontal' and 'vertical' direct effect,Union royale belge des sociétés de football association ASBL v Jean-Marc Bosman, . EUR-LexRoman Angonese v Cassa di Risparmio di Bolzano SpA, (2000). EUR-Lex such that a private citizen can invoke the right, without more, in an ordinary court, against other persons, both governmental and non-governmental.

History

The Treaty of Paris establishing the European Coal and Steel Community established a right to free movement for workers in these industries and the Treaty of Rome provided for the free movement of workers within the European Economic Community. The Directive 2004/38/EC on the right to move and reside freely assembles the different aspects of the right of movement in one document, replacing inter alia the directive 1968/360/EEC. It also clarifies procedural issues, and it strengthens the rights of family members of European citizens using the freedom of movement.

Definition of "worker"

The meaning of 'worker' is a matter of European Community...
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