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Lithuanian Presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament on Freedom of movement for workers directive

The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER I) granted today the Lithuanian Presidency a mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament on the Proposal for a Directive on measures facilitating the exercise of rights conferred on workers in the context of freedom of movement for workers.

“This Directive will facilitate a better and more uniform application of rights conferred by EU law on workers and members of their families exercising their right to free movement”, - says Chair of the Committee ambassador Arūnas Vinčiūnas. 

The proposal foresees that Union worker who believes that he/she has been the victim of discrimination on the grounds of nationality should be able to make use of appropriate administrative and/or judicial procedures to challenge the discriminatory behaviour. It also aims to better protect workers by ensuring that associations, organisations or other legal entities with a legitimate interest in the promotion of the rights to free movement of workers may engage in any administrative or judicial procedure on behalf or in support of EU migrant workers where there has been a violation of their rights. Furthermore, proposal aims to promote better awareness of the rights of Union workers, to enhance provision of assistance to workers who suffer from nationality based on discrimination, as well as to deepen cooperation of all stakeholders in the field of free movement of workers. 

The right of free movement of workers foreseen in TFEU (Article 45) gives every citizen of the Union the right to move freely to another Member State in order to work and reside there. It protects them against discrimination on grounds of nationality as regards access to employment, remuneration, dismissal and other working conditions by ensuring their equal treatment in comparison to nationals of that Member State. 

Background: 

On 26 April 2013, the Commission submitted a proposal for the Directive. The European Parliament' Employment and Social Affairs Committee voted on 5 November 2013 on this Proposal. 
The first informal trilogue is scheduled for 2 December 2013.

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