Knowledge and science recognise no borders: Europe needs to strengthen freedom of movement
In the morning of today, 29th November 2013, 100 EUROCADRES members’ representatives from Professionals’ and Managers’ organisations, coming from European countries and Trade Union Federations participating to the Congress of EUROCADRES 2013 in Brussels, discussed an Emergency Resolution on the need to “Strengthen freedom of movement instead of closing borders and raising barriers” in Europe.
On November 27th, the British Prime Minister David Cameron called for limitations in the free movement for people in the European Union. The appeal was met with sympathetic remarks from both Chancellor Merkel in Germany and President Hollande in France. The free movement of people is a corner stone of the European Union.
While presenting the Emergency Resolution Martin Jefflén, new President of EUROCADRES elected by the Congress, stated clearly that: “ EUROCADRES’ aim is to enhance voluntary mobility in Europe. We unconditionally defend fair and decent working conditions, and consequently deplore social dumping. Current debate on mobility is fed by xenophobia, and we fear that our countries’ leaders will fall into the trap of ultra-nationalists”.
Gerhard Rohde former Head of UNI Global P&MS Department also addressed the Congress highlighting the strong role of EUROCADRES: “in influencing the rules of the game especially with regards to recognition of professional qualifications and mobility”. Also, while addressing the key issue of mobility as an important topic to be tackled by all the European social partners, Maxime Cerutti, from BUSINESSEUROPE affirmed that “Mobility contributes to addressing the appropriate matching of skills and jobs”.
As the European Commission itself confirmed, with a Communication published on November, 25th this year, all the analysis concerning the impact of free movement on national social security systems reveal that the majority of mobile workers are net contributors to the welfare States of the European countries of destination, and that no pressure or abuse towards the host countries is committed by European mobile workers.
Thus, the recent attempt of European leaders to close borders and raise barriers cannot but once again be based on the upheaval of populist movements around Europe, often deep-rooted in nationalistic, racists and xenophobic feelings. By approving this Emergency Resolution, EUROCADRES therefore calls on the European institutions to refrain from any action to limit the free movement of people in the European Union and EEA and to resist any attempts to once again close borders and raise barriers.