1. DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR INTERNAL POLICIES
For the Committees on Petitions & Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
Preliminary Findings
Study on obstacles to the right of free movement and residence for EU citizens and their families

2. Directive 2004/38/EC - Context
Objectives
Difficult transposition
Issues related mostly to:
Family members (in particular third country nationals) – entry – sufficient resources – identity cards – expulsion – procedural safeguards

3. Main obstacles: Entry Excessive documents required
Right to accelerated procedure for entry visas refused
Lack of/confusing information received regarding visas
No reason for rejection of visas
Delays

4. Main obstacles: Residence
Excessive delays in obtaining residence cards/registration certificates
Excessive documentation required
Onerous requirements to obtain residence cards

5. Main obstacles: Social Security
Delay/refusal to pay/obstacles to getting family benefits
Barriers to receiving unemployment benefits
Lack of coordination and communication between national authorities

6. Main obstacles: Discrimination
Nationality
Fee differences
Different tax rules for EU movers/nationals
Civil status/ Sexual orientation
Lack of consistent approach to recognition of partnerships → free movement rights
Ethnic origin/race
Discrimination against Roma

7. Conclusion Difficult implementation Main persisting obstacles:
Administrative burdens/bureaucracy
Misinformation/lack of cooperation
High number of complaints on discrimination related to nationality

8. Presentation by Gillian Kelly Nathalie Meurens Milieu Ltd
Policy Department Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs
Responsible Administrators: Darren Neville and Ottavio Marzocchi