SINGLE MARKET POLICIES


	Free movement of professionals

	Freedom of establishment

A Single Market for Goods

A Single Market for Services

Financial Services and Capital Markets

Business environment

Protection of rights

INTERACTIVE INFO & HELP

Practical info & problem solving

Consultations

Exchange of information between Member States (IMI)

WHO WE ARE

Commissioner Barnier

DG Internal Market & Services

Living and working in the Single Market

Living and working in the Single Market The principle of free movement of people dates back to the creation of the European Community. This principle was initially introduced to open Europe’s labour markets to migrant workers and their families. Over the years, this right was extended to cover all categories of citizens. Today, with the lifting of most internal border controls, we can move as freely around Europe as we can within a Member State. If we so choose, we can decide to study, work, or retire in another EU country. These freedoms embody the distinct advantages conferred by European citizenship.

If the right to cross-border mobility has become a reality, we must now remove the uncertainties that could hinder the exercise of this freedom. On the one hand, we must make sure that this right can be enjoyed in conditions of security and justice accessible to all, so as to prevent criminals from taking advantage of a European space without frontiers. On the other hand, we must remove the remaining legal and practical obstacles that deter people from benefiting from the freedom of movement and right to reside in another Member State. The European policy on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications is an example of action undertaken by the Commission in this respect.

Most European policies regarding the free movement of people are in the sphere of justice and home affairs. Specific policies on the free movement of workers relate to the area of employment and social affairs. You can find detailed information on the recognition of professional qualifications and on freedom of establishment on our site. For information on other policies, please consult the sites on Freedom, Security and Justice and Employment and Social Affairs.

For information of a practical nature on your freedom of movement and right of residence in another Member State, we invite you to visit the Your Europe site.

Thinking of moving?

Keep yourself informed!

Telling you exactly what you need to do to exercise your rights: If you are moving to, say, Denmark and you want to know whether your driving licence will be valid there, or whether your professional qualifications will be recognised, you can consult the Commission website Your Europe. This site offers general guides and country-specific factsheets complete with relevant addresses, links and points of contact providing you with a wealth of practical information on your Single Market rights. Where you have difficulty in exercising those rights and you need further advice and assistance, you can contact the legal experts of the Citizens Signpost Service. Within 3 working days, you will receive personalised free advice on your rights under Single Market rules. This service can be contacted online or by calling the Europe Direct free phone number (00 800 67891011) from wherever you are in the EU.

Thousands of jobs throughout the EU at your fingertips: Looking for new job opportunities across Member States is now a good deal easier thanks to the creation of the EURES Network. Job seekers can search for employment offers across Europe and/or use the network to post information on their employment preferences, qualifications and experience.

Finding out information about studying in Europe: if you are looking for an opportunity to study in another European country, you might be interested in consulting PLOTEUS. This portal aims to help students, workers, parents, counsellors and teachers to find out information about exchange programmes, learning opportunities and training possibilities across the European Union.