EC preparing options about future limits on Polish employment in the EU

Amidst pressure from Germany and Austria, the European Commission (EC) is undertaking preparations for negotiations with Poland concerning the free flow of Polish people to EU countries. The decision will be made from among various options which envisage some limitations on legal employment of Poles in the EU during the first three to five years of Poland's membership. One of the options provides for the establishment of an annual increase in the number of people allowed to apply for a job. Another foresees some restrictions on those occupational groups in which the situation on the EU work market is already difficult. If according to expectations Poland joins the EU in 2004-2005, Poles would obtain permission for unrestricted employment in 2007-2010. (Rzeczpospolita, p.1) A. Z.