Government set to wait and see before next EU enlargement

FURTHER barriers to letting Europeans move freely around the European Union (EU) were removed recently when Justice Minister Michael McDowell adopted new EU legislation.

Up to now the EU’s freedom of movement has been limited to those with a job in another member state, and only their spouse and children are allowed accompany them.

Under the new rules this will be extended to a worker’s partner, regardless of gender or sexuality, and to extended family members in certain circumstances, such as ill health.