Dear Friends & Colleagues,

ECAS cordially invites you to the launch of the new report:

“Mind the Gap - Towards a better enforcement of European citizens’ rights of free movement.”

Why is that after nearly 20 years of the internal market and improvements in the legal framework by legislators and judges, the barriers to people moving around Europe to work, live or study not only remain but new ones are added?

When: 5-6 pm on January 19th, 2010

Where: The IPC, I Boulevard Charlemagne 1000 Brussels

What: Press Briefing for the launch of the “Mind the Gap” Report

Losing patience with “the gap” between the fine principles of European law and the way it is applied on the ground, ECAS called on senior academic and practicing lawyers to come up with solutions. The 30 page report of the high level panel with a conclusion of 10 recommendations to the new Commission and EU Institutions for action is the result. The report explains the practical reality EU citizens face, by analyzing “the gap” between the legal framework and the way it is applied. The report attempts to evaluate the difficult but important subjects of enforcement, prevention, and existing inefficiencies in areas such as information and advice services, and how to improve non-judicial and judicial remedies.

The report will be presented by the Chair of the Panel and former judge at the European Court of Justice, David Edward. Tony Venables, ECAS’ Director, will describe the barriers to recognition of the rights of EU citizens to reside in other countries, especially if they are looking for work and on a low income, or have family members or partners from outside the Union. In a period of economic downturn “red tape” has increased as public authorities seek to limit access to social entitlements or make it more difficult for people to achieve recognition of their qualifications.

ECAS will be following up this report with the legal affairs and other committees of the European Parliament and in particular with the Viviane Reding, the new Vice President of the Commission designate for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship.

For those interested, there will also be a drink after the event.

Please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or a fax to 02 548 04 99 to be added to the participants list.

We look forward to seeing you, Tony Venables & the ECAS Team