The 15 states of the EU are committed to removing barriers to trade, to services and to the flow of people. The main item of legislation that will benefit you as a young person is the EU's policy on freedom for people to work where they like. Allied to this is the mutual recognition of qualifications and the right to residence. This means that if you are an EU citizen you are entitled to live, work or study in any member state on the same terms as the young people who live there.
EU Nationals
You are classed as an EU citizen if you are registered as a national of a member state: in other words that you are entitled to hold a passport or a form of ID showing you to be a citizen of one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden or the United Kingdom.
Non EU Citizens
Many citizens from non EU countries, over 16 million in total, are legally registered within the EU. Most are from the dependencies of individual countries; eg Commonwealth citizens in the UK or Algerians in France. They have chosen to live within Europe for a number of reasons - political, economic or personal.
If you are a non EU citizen you may be allowed to work, study or train in another EU member but no generalised guidance can be given about this. You need to contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate in your country. Give them as much information about yourself as possible, stating what you hope to do and why. Write well in advance as administrative procedures can take time.
The Rights of EU Citizens
Right to Reside
If you are an EU citizen you have the right to live in any other EU State providing that:
- you can show proof of identity - passport or national identity card.
- you have a residence permit if necessary
- you have some means of financial support
- you are offered employment
- you are offered a course of study
- you are offered specific training
Right to Work
If you are an EU citizen you have the right to work in any other EU State providing that:
- you are suitably qualified
- you satisfy the residence requirements of the country
Right to Study
If you are an EU citizen you have the right to study in any other EU State providing that:
- you have the language skills to cope with tuition
- you have acceptable qualifications for your chosen course
- you have financial support
Right to Vocational Training
If you are an EU citizen you have the right to vocational training in any other EU State providing that:
- you have the language skills to cope with the training
- you have acceptable qualifications for your chosen course
- you have financial support
