The idea that the free movement of EU nationals in the EC is based exclusively on economic considerations was already under strain before the Maastricht Treaty. It has become simply untenable since then. Discuss

Abstract

The free movement of people was conceived in the Treaty of Rome, along with the economic freedom. The goal was to get rid of all obstructions to the freedom to carry out a job. That is why Article 39 to 42 EC (now 48 to 51) is about free movement of salaried workers, and Article 43 to 48 (now 52 to 57) is about free movement of non-workers. The single market supposes that the progressive disappearance of all the obstacles could reduce the trade exchange between the Member States. In this aspect of the community law, four fundamental freedoms are affirmed and they are the free movements of goods; the free movement of services; the free movement of capital; the free movement of person.