Forum: Politicization of EU Freedom of Movement. Does EU Mobility Promote Socio-Political, IES Brussels

Policy Form

Wednesday 2 December 2015 // 12:00 – 14:00

Politicization of EU Freedom of Movement. Does EU Mobility Promote Socio-Political Integration?

EU freedom of movement, at its origins, was assumed to promote economic and political integration, economic benefits as well as social cohesion among EU member states. Accordingly, the idea was fixed in the EU Treaty and rights pertaining to it had been expanded over the last six decades. However, freedom of movement seems to be at a critical juncture in the 2010s. Politically, right wing as well as mainstream parties in EU member states mobilize against freedom of movement rights. Academically, it has been questioned whether EU freedom of movement disrupts rather than promotes social cohesion at the local level in member states. Paradoxically, it has been shown that freedom of movement can work in favor or against its assumed objectives for EU integration.

This Policy Forum discusses how free movement in the EU has become contested. The expected ‘Mobility Package’ of the Commission is supposed to address Member States concerns with freedom of movement and adds to the topicality of the issue.  The Policy Forum brings policy makers, civil society, and academics together in order to discuss the challenges that lie ahead for freedom of movement in Europe.

Confirmed speakers:

  • Mrs Helga de Valck, Professor of Sociology, University of Groningen and Vrije Universiteit Brussel
  • Mrs Claire Damilano, Legal Advisor ECAS, European Citizen Action Service
  • Mr László Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Barroso cabinet (2010-2014)

Introduction:

  • Mr Christof Roos, Research Professor, Migration Diversity and Justice, IES, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Registration and Venue

The policy forum starts at 12:00 and will end at approximately 14:00. Participation is free of charge and open to all but due to space limitations, registration is mandatory. If you wish to attend, please fill in the online registration form.

Venue:
Karel Van Miert Building
Conference Room Rome (-1)
Pleinlaan 5
1050 Brussels

Contact

Christof Roos (Academic Coordinator)
Senior Research Fellow
Institute for European Studies
+32 2 614 80 01
Christof.Roos@vub.ac.be

Anamaria Bacsin (Logistics)
Communications & Internal Events
Institute for European Studies
+32 2 614 80 40
Anamaria.Bacsin@vub.ac.be