Economic difficulties may force EU members to restrict labor movement

The anticipated downturn in European economies could negatively affect Polish citizens' chances of obtaining quick access to the labor markets of some European Union (EU) countries. The new government has declared its readiness to accept a transition period of two to seven years before Poles are allowed to work elsewhere in the EU. However, the government was hoping that some EU countries would grant Polish workers access to their labor markets without the waiting period. Such a commitment has already been made by Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and Ireland. However, the economic slump and the anticipated rise in unemployment resulting from it could lead to a change of heart. The Irish government is reported to be considering a revision of its liberal policies towards foreign workers. Meanwhile in Denmark, the social democratic government has just been replaced by a center-rightist one, which is not so keen on allowing foreign workers into the country. Assuming an optimistic case scenario, upon EU accession Polish workers would immediately be allowed to work in slightly more than half of EU countries. (Gazeta Wyborcza, Nov. 24-25, p. 7) T.J.