Free mobility of labor has been the core element of the European integration process. The aim of this chapter is to analyze the effects and challenges of the labor mobility within the EU. The analysis then focuses on the recent trends in labor mobility. Cross-border labor mobility remains low in the EU. The main reasons behind the low levels of labor mobility in the EU include linguistic and cultural reasons, as well as non-tariff barriers such as pension rules, recognition of professional qualification or social security differences. Removal of impediments to free mobility of labor and improvement of flexibility of the European labor markets will strengthen the EU's labor market integration.
Crisis, What Crisis? Patterns of Adaptation in European Labor Markets