1. The social and legal position of homeless and socially excluded EU citizens in Denmark - Experiences from an emergency night shelter for homeless foreigners in Copenhagen.

2. The emergency night shelter Working in the 3 coldest months in Denmark (January – March) Set up by 8 private social organisations Located in the crypt of a local church Open from 21 pm to 8 am.

3. Homeless foreigners in Denmark: a snapshot Guests in the emergency shelter 2009 365 different people during 3 months Some 60 % were from Romania and 20 % from Poland 20 % from other countries in/outside EU 63 % between 20 and 40 years old and 25 % between 40 and 60 85 % male

4. Rights of migrants from EU EU citizens can enter and stay 6 months if seeking job Registration not required No rights to assistance from the state when not registered After 6 months register or leave

5. Rights of migrants from EU Registration only possible with proof of: - legal employment - sufficient funds (€ 10 000) - self-employment - family member to someone registered. Registration on base of employment gives access to social security and health care. NOT available to the homeless migrants

6. The legal position of homeless EU citizens in Denmark No rights to registration or services ‘Overstayers’ - lose “right to reside” No warrant for expulsion in legislation A legal void...and a social downfall

7. Conclusions Basic rights violated Legal status unclear Situation deteriorating as result of crisis Government ignores situation

8. Thank you