Graham Watson - Liberal Democrat MEP for South-West England and Gibraltar

Liberal Democrat group leader backs full rights for ALL EU citizens

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 2nd May 2006

"On the second anniversary of enlargement, and in the European year of the mobility of workers it is high time that the citizens of the 10 new Members States enjoyed their full rights of movement in the EU," emphasized Graham Watson MEP, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament.

"I am pleased to see that four more countries have lifted restrictions to the free movement of workers."

"I urge those Member States who still have reservations to make the case that guaranteeing free movement to all of Europe's citizens, as the European Commission has demonstrated, is a win-win situation both for their economies and for those of the new Member States."

"The entry into force of EU directive 2004/38/EC on the exercise of rights of free movement today reiterates the point that the Single Market is not just an economic project for workers but extends to all members of the family, whether economically active or not."

"The free movement of persons is the most tangible and visible benefit of EU membership - whether for young students, those of working age or retired persons. Member States have a duty and an interest to uphold and defend that right."

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