Answer given by Ms Thyssen on behalf of the Commission
1.3.2017
The free movement of people is one of the fundamental principles of the EU. EU citizens have the right to look for a job or studies in another EU country and are entitled to be treated on a par with nationals in access to employment, working conditions and all other social and tax advantages. The Commission promotes a better functioning of the European labour market and develops services for assisting mobile workers and employers come together (EURES).
EU legislation, in particular Directive 2015/54/EU[1], aims at facilitating the enforcement of the rights of those who look for jobs and work in other Member States. Moreover, while the European Social Fund (ESF) can be used by Member States to support the geographical and occupational mobility of workers, it also puts a strong emphasis on promoting job quality. Altogether, the ESI Funds will be a critical mass of investment to improve growth and jobs across the EU.
The European Qualification Framework (EQF) is a tool that helps in comparing qualifications systems in Europe; it makes qualifications more readable and understandable and helps promote workers' and learners' mobility. Currently, 24 EU and 7 non-EU countries have referenced their National Qualifications Frameworks to the EQF levels.
The New Skills Agenda for Europe[2] includes actions to improve skills intelligence which will support more informed study choices and improve information on skills shortages in economic sectors as well as support the modernisation of Vocational Education and Training (VET), including apprenticeships.
- [1] Directive 2014/54/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on measures facilitating the exercise of rights conferred on workers in the context of freedom of movement for workers http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/54/oj
- [2] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — COM(2016) 381 final.