Research Highlights Low Level of EU Mobility

By European Foundation for the Improvement in Living and Working Conditions

Europeans generally view geographical mobility as having a negative impact on families. While people believe that changing their place of residence would be good for European society at large, they do not feel that this would be a desirable action at an individual level.

Geographical mobility is generally perceived as a 'good thing' for European integration by a solid majority of 62% of respondents, according to research findings documented in the report. Most people also view it as a good thing for the labour market and the economy generally, as well as for the individual. However, Europeans generally view geographical mobility as having a negative impact on families.

2006 Year of Mobility

The European Commission has designated the year 2006 as the 'European Year of Workers' Mobility', with the objective of raising awareness and spreading information about the rights and opportunities of workers who work in another country. It also aims to promote job mobility as a way to improve people's career and income prospects. Geographical mobility is also viewed as an opportunity for the European economy to overcome skills shortages and unemployment in certain countries and sectors. The Foundation's Mobility in Europe report is based on a descriptive analysis of the data collected by the Eurobarometer Survey (2005) and examines two key aspects: geographical mobility and job mobility. It takes a life-course approach to the subject, tracing mobility patterns at key points in an individual's life: leaving the parental home, starting a household/family, first job, combining work and childcare, career moves and retirement.

Communiqué November 2006