Do the rules governing internal migration within the EU need to be overhauled? That’s the question European leaders are grappling with these days, as they try to respond to growing levels of support for anti-immigration parties.
Freedom of movement is a fundamental right for all European citizens, but there are nevertheless concerns about increasing pressure being put on welfare systems and local services by both migration from within the EU and from countries outside Europe.
We’ve discussed concerns about so-called “welfare tourism” in the past, so today we’ll be looking instead at pressure on local services – specifically the demands that increased migration can place on education systems.
First up, we had a comment from Edgaras arguing that pressure on services could be alleviated if there were mandatory language tests for all migrants, no matter where they came from.
To get a reaction, we recently spoke to Marian Harkin, an Irish independent MEP who sits with the liberal group in the European Parliament. She was strongly against Edgaras’ suggestion, because she thought it would signal the end of freedom of movement within the European Union:
My answer to Edgaras is a straight “No.” I don’t believe it should be a requirement beforehand, because for a lot of people that will simply be impossible… I come from a nation that has exported it’s young people for generations, back since the Irish famine, and we will continue to do so. [Language tests] would mean, for example, that an Irish or a British young person could not go to Germany if they didn’t have a basic understanding of German. So, I don’t think we can make that a requirement – so that’s a straight answer to that.
We also spoke to Brian Hayes, an Irish MEP with the centre-right Fine Gael Party. He also didn’t support mandatory testing, but he did think migrants had an obligation to learn the language of the country they were living in:
I certainly think you have an obligation to attempt to learn the language of the country that you’re living in. I think it’s only right and proper that if you’re trying to work in that country you have some obligation to try to learn that. Equally, there should be a responsibility of the state and the EU to provide you with the support that you need to do that…
In 2008, when he was Fine Gael’s education spokesman, Hayes argued that children from migrant backgrounds who did not speak the national language should be temporarily separated from other pupils so they could receive extra language tuition. At the time, the policy of “immersion courses” (which would see immigrant children temporarily taught apart in secondary schools) received mixed support from Irish teachers’ unions, and Hayes had to apologise for his use of the word “segregation” in describing the policy. Nevertheless, he stood by the substance of what he said.
We had a comment from Jordi, who thinks there should be no “linguistic segregation” at all in classrooms, and that it is possible to have both “linguistic freedom and social cohesion in a multicultural society”.
We spoke to Claire Fernandez, Deputy Director of Policy at the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), and asked her to respond:
[Linguistic segregation] is unfortunately a phenomenon that is really widespread in Europe, not just for newcomers and third country nationals coming into a country, but also for ethnic minorities and students with a migrant background. Instead of segregating children based on language abilities, it is better to develop pre-school education so that children are immersed in the new language as early as possible. We also believe that mother-language education should be explored more, because evidence show that it can help to close education gaps. Also, schools could explore ways to have mediators between migrant/ethnic minorities communities and mainstream schools. But segregating children is absolutely a no-go, because it is discriminatory.
We see that, for example, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2007 in the case D.H. vs the Czech Republic that segregating Roma children in special schools – “Practical Schools” as they’re called now – is discrimination and that, most of the time, the standards in those segregated schools are not up to those in mainstream classrooms.
We see also that in Germany there are separate classes for children with a migrant background, which are using “German as a Second Language” as a criteria to separate curriculum. Language is actually used as a proxy to discriminate against children from a Turkish or Arabic background for instance. We can really see differences between the white children with German as a second language (so, for example, French, English or American children) and the non-white children, who are being offered a worse curriculum and a substandard education.
In the Netherlands, even today the schools which migrant children attend are called “zwarte scholen” or “black schools”. So, absolutely not, separating students is discriminatory and counter-productive for future generations.
Finally, we had a comment sent in by Yvetta arguing that bilingual education systems were the key to social integration of minorities (in this case, she was specifically talking about Roma minorities):
Education is the key to tackling poverty and increasing social integration. However, for that to happen bilingual schools would have to be set up, as a lot of Roma people do not speak the official language of the country they live in.
To get a reaction, we put Yvetta’s comment to Remus Pricopie, then the Romanian Minister of Education. Did he agree with her argument?
We’ve put together an infographic below setting out some of the issues related to education and diversity in Europe, and including some relevant facts and figures.
Should EU migrants be required to pass mandatory language tests before settling in another country? Or would this be the end of freedom of movement within the European Union? Let us know your thoughts and comments in the form below, and we’ll take them to policy-makers and experts for their reactions!
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Yes! I strongly agree!
All retired germans and brits in Spain should learn Spanish?
Já
No, that’s a terrible idea! That would absolutely be the end of freedom of movement. Having a union with freedom of capital without freedom of labour would only make unemployment even worse in Europe.
Freedom of movement refers only to people who have a job lined up. It is not nor was it ever intended as a free-for-all. The treaty specifically mentions workers with a job.
Unlimited freedom of movement is a figment of unelected Brussels Eurocrat imagination, treaty-wise it doesn´t exist.
Stop misrepresenting the EU treaties.
http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/justice_freedom_security/free_movement_of_persons_asylum_immigration/l33152_en.htm
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The question is why would you move to another country and not learn the language ?, not going to help you find a job if you can’t understand the interviewer is it.
EU Migration for the sake of EU migrations is both idiotic & dangerous.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2406182/The-euro-refugees-flocking-Britain-Tens-thousands-flee-Spain-Greece-Portugal.html
I totally agree Ivan.
In IT is all english , almost everywhere.and very mobile.
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Leaving the EU will mean we will be free to attract skilled people from the commonwealth instead of Europe so the issue will all but disappear.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/03/australians-new-zealanders-free-live-work-uk-report
@ Ivan Burrows:
The Commonwealth is a nonsense and should have been let loose fifty or more years ago. Those who come from it are an enormous burden on the British tax payer. Yours is a convoluted and desperate attempt to dismantle the UK and its culture turning it into hodge podge of lunatic forces and unacceptable organisations who are haters of the way of life and culture they come to.
Europeans are very similar in the cultural characteristics of the UK and assimilate easily and safely into the already existing structure, as, no matter how loosely you feel their organisation back in their own towns and cities may have been, they are not wildly opposed to what we are, as they are similar in expectation and aspiration. The doors from and to the Commonwealth, which is a drop to the bottom of a pit, is a step back in time to our hated colonial past. And shows. Not only is that lifestyle not compatible with British life, passports issued to any and all commonwealth countries should be stopped immediately. No more right to entry into the UK.
Once that has been achieved a systematic search for illegals from all countries who are residing in the UK should begin with the intention of deporting them and any family they have with them in order for them to make a legitimate application to reside in the UK and Europe. It is not European immigrants who are a nuisance and on welfare en masse it is those from outside that are clogging up our system.
We are all becoming aware of David Cameron’s deal with India for thousands to enter the UK as cheap Labour, when there are more than plenty already on the European continent who are more suited culturally to our way of life. And they won’t accept the low wage in quite the same cap doffing way, as, they are schooled in European practice and life standards.
You and your nasty party can roll up your bed and go live in the Commonwealth and leave us to what we love about our country. Isn’t that what most of you people love to do. You go and join those Raj ancestors and see how easy it is to have wonderful servants for no pay there in their back yard. what you are planning is to bring the ?Raj and its system right here to Europe and that is why you are pushing for us to come out of the EU. But, those freaks who know this are too afraid to open there mouths for the truth is punishable with incarceration.
This is what you and your kind are pushing for in the UK. Poverty and division.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppMJGxcFACg
You hate the British people and its culture and can’t wait to end it.
Inside the EU we can attract people from Commonwealth countries. As a matter of policy we choose to make it hard for them. This is supposedly because EU migration means controls have to be harder elsewhere to keep numbers down, but it’s still a choice.
Also, why wouldn’t we continue to have people from Europe come here, even outside the EU? Also, this presumes that outside the EU Brits wouldn’t want to trade, holiday in and live (if the rules allow it) in other European countries. That was the case before joining the EEC in 1973, why wouldn’t it continue?
I don’t think it is a terrible idea. But you could look at changing this ruling to commit people to passing an exam within a certain timeframe. I am an English speaker living in Germany and I need German for medical emergencies, communicating with the tax authorities, buying groceries, talking to neighbours about common concerns, talking to the kindergarten about our kids’ progress… Language skills are vital for integration. My grandfather was Hungarian and spoke 7 languages because he needed them to move in Europe and to do business.
And if they fail to pass the exam within your timeframe? Then what, expel them from the country? What if only one family member doesn’t pass it? Let’s say the mother. Expel the whole family? Or just the mother?
While it’s a good thing to encourage people to learn the language, and provide facilities for them to do so. I think it’s a terrible idea to enforce an legal obligation, as legal obligations carry sanctions.
Absolutely. Look what happens all around us. The first generation immigrants did truly came for no selfish reason but for a better future of their kids. These kids 2nd generation and so on risk creating a identity crisis. The connection with parents is not out there since the parents live in their native culture. Technology makes it even harder to connect with the next generations. This makes them very unprotected and un watched by their parents. This is were the seeds of fanatism find easy access…look at all the terror, these are in no way first generation immegrants but 2nd or more generations.
Very important is to give mixed housing to not creat little chinatowns…this works in the US, but the only reason it can is that everybody is a immegrant…its an extreme view but unfortunately i saw this in Holland as a real threat…dutch were always liberal, just look how extreme rightwinged they got, why??? 2nd etc generation immigrants…so yes learn to speak first and mixed housing…is fundamentally important.
stop this invasion from Africa
Luca Argalia
stop this invasion from Europe.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2406182/The-euro-refugees-flocking-Britain-Tens-thousands-flee-Spain-Greece-Portugal.html
And stop the seasonal invasion by beer-drinkers from there to here and by retirees all year, in the same manner. Please.
Gipsies are the original people of europe, all you are invaders… so please stop bulling them and asking to learn languages and expropiate their historical lands…
Did the gypsy fortune teller tell you that? Haven’t you read any information on the history of that ethnic group? They have nothing to do with Europe. They came from India. Genetically they are Indians, it is scientifically proven but everyone can easily see that with one look at their appearance. 90% of them do not wish to integrate with any European society due to laziness, lack of desire to learn and work. I support the requirement for language test. It will not be a problem for genuine migrants who have moved to another country in order to work. It is a headache only to the lazy ones who travel from one place to another just to look for a more generous welfare system to sponge. Most of all, gypsies need to learn to respect the cultures they live with, be grateful for what they are given and try to give back in return, not complain. Gypsies are not Romanians, Bulgarians, Spaniards or any other Europeans. They are Indians.
Gypsies we’re brought as slaves in eastern Europe by the Church and not only , attested by documents from the 13th century!!
And yes Luca, Africa has been invaded by europe… not the contrary. In spain the 2% of the population are tourists, while people form africa is much less than 1%….
Of course are language tests a must.
Language tests as mandatory prior to migration? Absolutely not.
One could argue language tests as being necessary to obtain full citizenship, but certainly not for migration. Whoever entertains such an absurd idea, obviously hasn’t the foggiest idea of the number of migrant workers that don’t speak the official language of the state they work in.
None of the highly qualified IT engineers I know that have moved on from Portugal to work in places like Switzerland, Germany or France, have came back yodelling in either French, German, Italian or Romansh.
This is an idea that seeks only to curtail freedom of movement within the EU. An absurd notion, based on an irrational, historically incorrect and radically dangerous concept of national and linguistic unity.
Ivan Burrows: The question is why would you move to another country and not learn the language ?
To earn a better living.
Yeah. Also, quotas from each Land so we do not start overunning another and lastly, being cunning to stop migrants who have gained ‘citizenship’ from easy Lands going to soft touch Lands then living with their families in thier own cultural Ghettos. Even better, just get Britain out of the EU or strip it down to free trade and that is it.
say what? No! United in diversity
Nichtmitgliedstaaten wie die Schweiz sollten selber entscheiden können wer rein kommt und welche Kriterien die zu erfüllen haben. Wir haben mehrere Jahre mit der Personenfreizügigkeit gelebt und gesehen dass ein Verfassungsrechtlicher Unabhängiger Staat wie die Schweiz mit diesem System welches ja für die immer grösser werdende Integration von EU Mitgliedsstaaten konzipiert wurde schlussendlich seine Souveränität und Verfassungsrechtliche Unabhängigkeit verlieren würde, deswegen und auch weil viel mehr Leute kommen als damals versprochen haben wir die Masseneinwanderungsinitiative angeommen, die Exekutive muss sie umsetzen aber will nicht so richtig und die EU benimmt sich wie ein Sturer Bock der die Geiss besteigen will, entweder die MEI wird Wortgetreu umgesetzt oder die Ecopop wird angenommen. Ich bin kein SVPler aber es ist interessant, SVP Patron Blocher hat angekündigt dass falls die MEI nicht korrekt umgesetzt wird dass er eine Initiative lancieren wird welche die Bilaterallen kündigen wird :)
@ SK:
What a wonderful way to teach a very good lesson. And of course Switzerland must reserve its right to select or choose who it decides are best to enter and be part of your state.
LOL.
well, you have to if you want to work with the EU institutions….
As a foreigner you should be able to attend a free language course. ?welfare tourism? is BS because most foreigners do work. If you want less foreigners in Europe… stop bombing their countries and especially stop supporting “moderate” terrorists or Nazi.
YES!
people should adapt to the destination, as it is their intent to go there and be part of that destination, and not the other way around! so, if you migrate, you do so cause you like that place or have some oportunities theres, therefore you need to adapt to that place, not change the place because of you (goes for everything, behaviour, religion, language etc.)!
Definitely… STOP THE MIGRATION FROM MUSLIM COUNTRIES …IN 50 YEARS IN EUROPE THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF MUSLIMS TERRITORIES ….
Yes, of course. That is the source of all European problems.
Should EU migrants be required to pass language tests?
Mandatory. Plus an affidavit regarding religious “freedom” and criminal behavoiur. Braking it or bending it should mean expulsion on the spot regardless. I am for Second Chance but against the 3rd one.
Jaume Roqueta Perdona? No havia escoltat tal estupidesa desde que la meva profe de tecno va dir que l’angls era una llengua romnica. I si. T’en vas a un pas, parles el seu idioma. Yes for sure.
Having lived in Brussels it’s quite obvious most people working in or navigating around the EU bubble have no knowledge of french or dutch and have no intention of learning either language. Like they forget there’s a country outside the office or something. Common sense would say that when you move somewhere you try to learn the language, but EU expats (to be understood in the broad sense) in Brussels set a terrible example. So it would be ironic should such a measure be adopted.
No…
Filipe Brs Almeida With people like you I am ashamed of living in southern europe. That has nothing to do. Every territory that has a language which is spoken by a majority of population, being a country or not should have foreigners to learn their language.
“To earn a better living”
LOL and you will not learn the language of the country which offers you a better living.
Lot’s of french, german and english seniors are coming to Portugal to live their retired days because they benefit from special tax’s, besides good weather and welcoming people, how could that be possible if they had to learn Portuguese ?? One of the most difficult languages to learn in the world. That would just create unnecessary barriers. This is an english theme, their government is the one who wants to stop people from entering their country. As they love opt out’s and special clause’s they can opt OUT E.U once and for all. That would solve their problem…
I wonder why the UK is in the EU at all. Considering they have an “opt-out” for a lot of major agreements. Just leave already and cut it with all the threats. The EU will survive, without the Brits.
Definitely not. If we are free to move, it will be contradictory. By The Way, i think that we should learn The language of The country that we move to.
This is a stupid idea! Depends on what sector or field you will work, language could be learned in time and depends on the capacity or intelligence of a person . Try to imagine those same citizens who live in the rural areas speaking only their dialects !!!
eu vreau s? m? refugiez din Romnia !cum fac?
@Stefanescu Dan
Writing in a language other than English [particularly a language used by a relatively small number of people] for an English language forum is a bit ‘Ceaușescu’.
Yes
No, the language tests would be better for obtaining citizenship. Although I believe you need to speak the language of the country you are coming to at least at the basic level. If I did not speak English before (at quite good level), I would never come to the UK.
Well there are thousands of non EU migrants that hardly speak the host state language – are they to be more privileged – and there are numerous scenarious when this would not only be undemocratic but also absurd – think of a elderly woman that has gone abroad to look after her grandchilren while the young couple is building a career – are you going to make learn a new language just to satisfy your nazi cravings – so pathetic
I think this is a very bad idea.
I am a Romanian, currently studying in the Netherlands. I don’t know any dutch, but I can survive very well with English. If I wasn’t allowed to get into the country because I didn’t know dutch, it would have been very unfair, especially since its quite possible to live here very well knowing only English.
And by they way, some languages are very hard, and it would take a huge time investment to learn them. And what if you simply need to first find a job that suits you, or a study program, but you don’t know in which country it is. You first have to see if you get accepted to a job or education program in a country, see if you like that activity and that country, and then, if you decide you want to live there, start to study that language in detail. That’s just a normal decision process for a young European. You have to travel until you find the place that is most appropriate for you.
A mandatory language test would simply create a useless, impractical barrier to this kind of job searching, and it would be very detrimental for European youth that work hard to find their place in the world.
Neo fascism
Carlos Wojciech Manrique Prez.
Frankly, what should embarrass southern Europe is our collective political failure to create and maintain prosperous economies and free societies.
If there is one thing that millions of impoverished southern Europeans have accomplished for over a century, it is successfully emigrating to other nations without understanding a single word of the new language that awaited them.
Naturally, adopting a cosmopolitan attitude and learning the language(s) of the nation one works in upon migrating is useful and plays an important role in integration. The conundrum is that it shouldn’t and cannot be mandatory prior to migration. The only practical effect of the measure would be to end migration and freedom of movement as we know it.
Non-EU immigrants especially asylum seekers shouldnt be allowed entry until they can speak a language of the country they wish to settle in. Thats why asylum seekers should be held offshore.
Language tests should be an obligation after a certain time spent in the “new” country.
I can’t believe some of these comments… We take pride on being a diverse culture, on being inclusive and welcoming, we sell that image to the rest of the world, and then complain when people buy it… I think it makes sense to learn the language and culture of your new home, if that’s what it’s going to become. If we’re talking about a flowing migrant population it doesn’t make sense to make it mandatory. When the person decides to make this their home, their permanent country, then yes, I would argue in favor of having them pass a language test.
I am against language test because there are people who’s troubles are not the language rather the norms/laws of the society they choose to live in. Language can be taught but if the accepted norms aren’t followed by the migrants then there’s friction.
@Borislav Valkov
Why not learn language AND norms?
Borislav, I totally agree with you. But I think both legal/civic education AND language tuition are necessary, as both things are important.
No!
i think some folks here are misinterpreting the question. One thing is to learn the language, and that i believe it should be done by anyone who migrates to another country, wether it is to work or study. Another thing is to have to pass a test in order to move. That would doomed the European Union primary idea. I know people that went to work to Romania, France, Italy, Spain, U.K, and even Nordic Countries. None of them would pass a test before they move. Nevertheless 2 years after they were able to have a conversation and to work in a professional environment, it’s a process that requires time and actual living in the destination country.
This is why i understand that U.K have a particular problem regarding E.U. Migration. English is a widespread language, almost everyone know’s how to speak english this days. So London, Dublin, Manchester are always viable options to migrate. Apparently job opportunities there are very attractive. Don’t know if the weather and coldness of the people would compensate anyway, But i would never migrate to Berlin for example. I don’t know i single word in german.
To overcome this issue i think it should be mandatory to study english in every european country at least 5 / 6 years in the public schools. Kid’s should learn english since first school years and english should be the language of business and professions
Let’s be honest, english language will dominate the world in the years to come, it already does. If english would be institutionalized as the primary language in Europe when it comes to Bussiness, Commerce or Professionalism, alot of other countries would be attractive for migration. The truth is that language in it self is a barrier that contradicts the freedom of move we once dreamed about Europe. That’s why i think that by force of reason, English should be everyone’s primary or second language in Europe, and a test should be done, not as a requirement to migrate, but every year in school in our own countries as a form to materialize a true Union in our day to day lives and not only on the paper.
@Pedro Durães
Some interesting points, thank you.
Not knowing the language is already a handicap and having a test would be plainly unnecessary.. You wont get a job without the language requirements anyway so what would be the point?
eu vreau s? m? refugiez din Romnia !cum fac?
Exactly my point Ivan Vikalo those who migrate have a reason to do that and the language can be taught.
I gree with this decision is a true family of emigrant will have to adapt to the destination and be part destiny and not jeopardize the cultural values of the community where you live
No. Hold off requirements, encourage mobility.
Yes! to be able to communicate properly…
yes.
I think it would be good that language courses would be totally free in the country of destination for migrants. For example i am a romanian and im living in Germany and i dislike the fact that i have to pay to learn the country’s language. I think this is a decent thing it should be done. And it should be free for a given period of time, like for example 2-3 years. After this, it should cost. This way more people would engage faster in learning the language.
And regarding language test being a criteria for one to be able to move into the destination country, it would not be a bad idea if it would be very good organized and if it would just address a certain category of citizens (for example we can exclude students and migrant workers and tourists and i think it is obvious why; because tourists go for tourism purposes and for short periods and come back to their origin country, students should not be obliged to have to pass language tests because since they were accepted from the very beginning in the university of the country of destination, obviously the student will be able to fulfill it’s part of agreement and attend classes in a language initially solicited by the school and migrant workers should not have such a criteria because they are already engaged in a working contract with the country of destination so their purpose is clear however. One might say that what i already say here sounds so discriminating. I do not wish to sound like that. I am up for equality but even equality has to have some sort of regulatory framework and that is because not all people have the same culture, language, life habits, education etc.
I think i would go for the next thing: developed countries should open special offices in developing countries which would have as single purpose just this matter: language test. For example: a polish citizen goes into his city in Poland at the nearest German office or French office and has the test (free of charge) then he passes it and goes to Germany/France. Of course why I chose developed countries offices in the developing countries, it’s obvious why. Because the flow of migrants has as a starting point developing countries and as a destination point developed countries.
What the EU should do togheter with other ONG’s and Governemantal organizations with most urgency is to help developping countries in providing a better life for its citizens to avoid illegal migration and future problems inside the EU (such as terrorism). I think it’s a wise thing to do. :)
There are 24 official languages in EU…
Why should it be an obligation for someone to learn an other language ?
People will learn the language since it is difficult to live in a country with a language that you don’t know.
But this should not be a criteria…
We have freedom of expression, and the knowledge of foreign languages is up to us.
@Dominik Góra
ALL EU citizens are foreigners in the UK UNLESS they own a UK passport.
@Jordan Chor
MOST EU languages are just minor local languages – only English, Spanish, French and Portuguese with perhaps Germany have respective native language populations exceeding 100 million people.
Indeed, Swahili, Hausa, Urdu, Mandarin, Japanese and Hindu are far more important than ALL bar the aforementioned EU languages.
Just as Darwinism applies to genes, so too it applies to languages – sorry, but its true.
Actually, as an EU citizen in the UK, you have the exact same rights as a UK citizen with the exception of voting at the parliamentary elections. You are not considered foreign by the state, only maybe by some private individuals.
Hi Tarquin, yes this is right. Non-British/anything-else nationals are not allowed to join the army (why would they want to?) and also cannot work in certain positions. However, this is the same in all countries and does not need mentioning. Your post which I was correcting was specifically referring to the UK. Please note, I was just stating facts and did not say anything negative or positive for anything and anyone, therefore, I do not understand the names you have called me. You seem to be quite nasty in attitude, unable to debate in a civilised and effective way and tend to misrepresent things to indulge perhaps your own wishful thinking or nasty version of the world. Because you have no arguments you resort to offense and intimidation and this seems to be a pattern with you. You sound like an old man that grew up in a really small provincial place but people like you are in the minority and their views are in the decline. Perhaps this is what makes you angry, that very few agree with you?
@Yvetta
LOL!
You refer to my nasty comments and then go on to paint an inaccurate, offensive picture of what you think I am.
Well, Tarquin, there is no way of checking but if you are not an old man that grew up in a small provincial place cut off from the world then perhaps you should consider why you sound and behave like one. I will have to stand by my impression.
@Yvetta
I think you might want to read a few of my ‘revealing’ back-catalogue of DE posts before playing a lay [inept] psychologist! :)
I’m from Congo and I’m living in Portugal for 23 years,sometimes I have to teach my portuguese friend how to speack corectly ther language so..
They’re not immigrants they’re EU citizens and no.
@Dominik Góra
ALL EU citizens are foreigners in the UK UNLESS they own a UK passport.
Actually, as an EU citizen in the UK, you have the exact same rights as a UK citizen with the exception of voting at the parliamentary elections. You are not considered foreign by the state, only maybe by some private individuals. This is why we are talking about migrants and not immigrants. You are only an immigrant if you are crossing a border.
@Yvetta
WRONG!
If the UK goes to war with say Argentina, EU foreigners will NOT have exactly the same rights as UK citizens!
EU foreigners will not be allowed to join the UK armed forces for instance.
PLEASE check your facts BEFORE posting, otherwise you will look like a foolish pro-EU zealot as in this case.
There are EU foreigners in the UK armed forces today and they have fought in most, if not all, of your wars. Northern Irish people who have opted for Irish citizenship and have not invoked their right to a British passport are not foreigners.
I would think this story follows Cameron’s comments about EU health care workers being required to pass an English test. Communication is an essential part of being a good doctor or nurse and so a certain standard of English should expected but that should be part of the job description and for the employers to administeras part of the recruitment process. This isn’t about this though, this is just political crap for the Tories because they’re trying to outdo UKIP
I thaught free to move was for europeans. .a europe without borders.Migrants should be controlled by each e.u. country where they want to go otherwise we will have a feee for all and future problems. It is not up to Brussels to burdain and direct the policy of each country.
Of course not. Do EU migrants pass Swahili language tests when they move for instance to Africa ?
@Christiane Vermoortel
LOL!
NOT a good example I’m afraid.
There are 3 countries that have Swahili as an official language – Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
They all also have English as an official language.
Just as many Dutch firms learn the local lingo in Africa either Swahili or more than likely English so MUST EU in-continental-ists when they come to the UK.
I would not consider looking for work in France if I did not speak french or Spain if I did not speak Spanish..
Interesting how people refer to these ideas as racist/facist; and that, like fuher mirkle, they open boarder is a fundamental part of EU membership, yet they ignore the fact that spain closed its boarders to migrant/commuters from Gibraltar.
Ofcourse! Its the least we can do! Learn the language first.
It would amount to discrimination against the Brits living in Europe without knowing the local language, but enjoying the benefits of decent health systems, ways of life and food.
That’s up to them to decide. Who the bleep are “we” to med in to the language one should speak??!
Learning the language is embracing the new culture and a form of respect for the nationals of that country. How could one adapt if he/she lacks he most important tool for communication? The EU is about diversity but also about respect for eachother. This is how I see it.
gipsies come from asia.
I think that most of people like myself don’t understand this problem. All of German , Swedish and UK citizens I was talking with about this problem was against any restrictions. I believe that great majority of EU citizens is FOR freedom of movement in the EU . I think EU should make some bigger research on this problem and publish result .
A Pastafarian :-)?
ALL children must learn at least 2 additional languages of EU…One of them being English of course…I learned 9, my sons did learn 5 from a very early age and of course without grammar as kids learn sounds NOT words…
Yes.
But as advised in Norway – they should keep at home their mother tongue, and to practice it …
Most Europeans with feel vindicated when reading this article this morning.
At long last we see a media report that is ‘beginning’ to open up to the truth we all knew for years. I wonder why that is? Have they found out David Cameron and the entire UK politicians are a bunch of thieving liars about this lunacy and that it is only a matter of days before the whole charade comes to the forefront of every voting national? This truth should have been given to our tax payers footing the bill for this crock years ago. The utter disgrace with this information of course is, not one of our people was asked in an election or told what they were going to have to both foot the bill for with this ‘dream’ and of the loss of their cultural heritage as they paid.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2821151/Non-EU-migrants-State-costing-British-finances-120billion-1995.html
This lot either already had enough English or didn’t need it to bleed us dry. Did they? This is a scandal beyond all proportion. What our money could have been used for goes without elaboration. What kind of nuts are in our seats of power. How could they have wanted this for their countrymen.
Here is the full report on what it is costing the UK tax payer to have an open door policy on immigration from ‘outside’ Europe’s borders.
This UCL report also confirms those who migrate to the UK from inside Europe have been of huge financial benefit to us all.
UKIP must FO.
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/european-institute/highlights/2013-14/immigration
Hi Catherine,
As bystander of UK politics, I noticed that your last link of the “European Institute”- (an “EU agent?) dated November 2013 quoting Prof Christian Dustmann and Dr Tommaso Frattini is the older one and disputed by the contents in your first but newer link!
In the more recent article by JAMES SLACK FOR THE DAILY MAIL dated 5 November 2014, Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migration Watch and David Green, director of the independent think-tank Civitas are disputing & correcting the figures from the Prof & Dr.!
There seems to be a contradiction. Which figures are less biased & more trustworthy- factual? What does “FO” stand for- “Fight On”, Friends Off, or “Foreign Object”, or…? Thanks!
Considering that comes from the European institute it is no surprise the spin it puts on the immigration debate
The fact of the matter is there is not tens of thousands of jobs in the UK that are currently not being done that are waiting for immigrants to come over so they can start making a “Net” contribution
Yes you can do some basic maths and taking all immigration in isolation, add the number in work, subtract the number out of work and come up with a simple net contribution figure.
What need to be added is the number of the UK population that are actually forced out of work by cheap immigrant labour…..that certainly wont equate to a net contribution from immigration
@EU Reform:
This post in in reference to your post to me below. I want to thank you for noticing the discrepancy in the reports I linked. That shows how you must read each and every item you link to before offering them up. Which, I confess, I did not do, I went on assumption. What a naughty girl I am. And, ‘other’ is the answer to your question.
Doesn’t change the fact that those from ‘outside European borders’ are a disaster and cost us our daily bread, to the tune of, £120 Billion, so far, whilst those from within are the staple diet we need feeding our Inland Revenue, right across Europe including the UK.
Which brings me to why David Cameron made a deal with India for thousands of immigrants to be imported from there to enter the EU and the UK in order to bleed us all dry, but yet, rejects Europeans right to free movement within their own borders. Odd that. Especially as the converse lifestyle led by so many of these people from outside our borders are not compatible with our cultures and social expectations leading to social unrest reaching the levels it currently is. And my understanding is, Farage , wants this very same rule to apply. Indian yes, European no. Anyone care to put me straight?
I would also like to know why David Cameron feels an ‘Asian Prime Minister’ for the UK, in his lifetime, would be better for our country than he is, or, come to that, one from say, Germany, France or Austria? Rather odd he would feel a bald Asian born ‘banking stooge’ is the man to lead the UK and not a man of European blood. Surely thinking that way is a hate crime today punishable by incarceration? No?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/11212217/I-want-to-see-a-British-Asian-Prime-Minister-says-David-Cameron.html
And here we see the kind of two faced foreigner Cameron wants us to be led by, because he feels it will be good for us all. Corruption not being quite at its peak here. Of course, this exceptional man is well schooled in the art of banking fraud, as he spent a considerable amount of years studying under their direction.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/11/open-letter-sajid-javid-culture-secretary-michael-rosen
@Catherine Benning
Hmmm, is this an example of the EU showing its ‘Aryan Superiority’ origins again with research produced by the laughable, risible, propagandist and discredited Professor Christian Dustmann.
BTW, where does Professor Christian Dustmann hail from…?
@Catherine, Hi there & cheer up!
Re: your last two attached articles highlight how two gigantic forces in one country oppose each other! On the one hand government & institutions honor, praise and try to preserve indigenous character, culture, achievements & heritage while the other side- the pc political party machinery works to advance party objectives- destroying what the other invisible half is trying to build on & preserve.
On a light note: I picture the old queen one day chocking- while sipping her traditional cup of royal Ceylon tea- after being told her royal grand, grand, grand daughter & future queen decided to marry an ex Pakistani Taliban commander with a British passport- who managed to become the richest man in the country by successfully manipulating the Royal Bank of England into bankruptcy! Cheers to human progress & pc- or the end?
Europe discriminates every European foreigner language,check the Portuguese in Luxemburg.
@António Rocha
Same as in the UK – Portuguese were identified as one of the most welfare-benefit-reliant groups in a channel 4 documentary a few years ago.
Freedom of movement should be a GLOBAL human right. At no point early human species was limited by politics. We could live anywhere. World is for everyone and everyone should feel in titles to live anywhere they want.
Average wage on the planet is the equivalent of about 6-7k US dollars. I’m sure you’d volunteer for a paycut?
Does Africa show its superior origins on its continent or is that a figment of imagination? Likewise, India, South America, China, Japan, and on and on. There is a very good book out that all men who want to know about our evolution should read, called, A Troublesome Inheritance by Nicholas Wade.
And why is this forum so afraid to discuss this put down of the anglo saxon people, the way we see given free rein here to the faux British aristocrat we all have to bow to and pretend didn’t say an openly racist remark toward the majority in Europe. The veritable elephant in the room who despises European culture but adores residing amongst them rather than seek solace with the people he prefers to rule. Now why is that I wonder? Could it be life is better when those same anglo saxons fill the welfare bill so badly needed to sustain life when the thought of starvation hits those countries who cannot abide a poor man having a meal? Akin to the US where the 90 year old Florida man is going to be incarcerated for feeding the homeless.
This attitude is a forerunner for what this kind of invasion really wants us all to accept. We should not be a majority in our homeland. What is the next step to that premise I wonder?
In my opinion, peoples we dream to be with our social democracy must apply our rules and get the language that allow us to understand each others. Language is maternity, that’s were the hearth is, and it is the consciousness of the country.
Migrants must apply to converge with our project in term of language and democratical process. It is absolutly unfair that migrants ignoring our laws can’t read them. We have to go for them as they have to go for Europe.
Speaking the country language is a way to claim for love… Ignoring it is despite and neglection !
For migrants, absolutely yes. For tourists, no.
Freedom of movement in EU refers to workers with a job lined up. It most decidedly does not refer to a free for all anyone can migrate anywhere. The intention of the treaty text is abundantly clear.
Its just the unelected crowd in Brussels that has deliberately misinterpreted and misrepresented it.
No. It would defeat the purpose of free movement of individuals.
Freedom of movement refers to workers with a job, it never meant a free-for-all for anyone wanting to go anywhere.
Stop misrepresenting the EU treaties.
Marcel, can you provide a link to the actual article of the treaty we can read, because my understanding is that people are free to move and seek employment, not that they have it before they decide to move.
@Yvetta
LOL!
Would you please provide me with the link I requested of you too!.
BTW, EU law relates to movement of ‘workers’ and NOT ‘shirkers’.
Sorry, what link have you requested?
Here is a link to the actual article of the EU on this treaty:
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=457
It says that people are free to move to another country in order to seek employment. Not necessarily that they have it before they move. We need to speak with facts here Marcel and not be rude, sarcastic and/or try and intimidate other people because they contradict us. If we do, that is saying more about us and not them. Please, quality debates only, don’t bother, otherwise. Thanks.
Yvetta
Here is the original wording of the Treaty of Rome on which all “fundamental principles” are based
http://www.hri.org/docs/Rome57/Part3Title03.html#Pt3TitIIICha1
Slightly different to what the current crop of Europhiles want people to believe
Chapter 1, Article 48, Para 3(a) clearly states that the free movement of workers is to “to accept offers of employment actually made”
Thanks, Paul. However, this is from 1957 and refers to subsequent directives, so it is not the entire story just the basis of everything that has followed. And, I don’t think that it is a case of people misinterpreting treaties etc. but the EU is constantly changing and therefore it would make sense that those treaties would be amended etc. I think the idea behind it is that if people are unemployed and seeking work it does not matter which country of the EU they are in and which country pays them benefits. And if you need to change your benefits system because you cannot afford it (some countries only pays unemployment benefit for a 6-month period), it should be the same system for everyone and not discriminate between EU and local.
Yes Yvetta, I know it’s from 1957, but that is the point entirely. The current Pro “let anybody go anywhere” lobby keep referring to free movement as being one of the fundamental principles of the EU……..fundamental principles are what are laid out in the Treaty of Rome
The fact that subsequent back door negotiations seem to have corrupted it to now include anyone cannot and does not change the fundamental principle, which is free movement of Workers, i.e. people with jobs
….and as a full rate UK taxpayer for over 30 years, if I should find myself out of work why should I suffer some second rate benefits system just because the rest of Europe does?
To me unemployment benefits should be based on what you have contributed so those coming here who haven’t paid a cent into the UK economy are entitled to zilch
@Yvetta
Oops, I was just checking that you would respond EVEN when you had lost the argument. Case Closed.QED!
Hi Tarquin, I don’t think you perceive the point of a debate, which is to exchange some opinions and, hopefully, for some conclusion to be reached. This is not some kind of war or confrontation but this is how you seem to behave here. You are totally unable to come up with any arguments to support your views, which are expressed in the form of a rant and very often are a misrepresentation or just wishful thinking. That is why you just resort to making personal comments and being sarcastic. You don’t seem able to hold a civilised conversation in any way. I will let you stay in your lonely corner of nastiness and I will keep debating with intelligent people like Paul, which is my prerogative and I do not need to ask your permission for it. The best thing I can recommend to you is that you take some lessons on etiquette and conversation and hopefully one day you will become a gentleman and communicate like one. Have a good night!
Well, Paul, to be honest with you, the issue is beyond me because I haven’t really been following EU matters that closely, but definitely what has been decided and what is valid is the result of a consensus of all countries. The EU is not a nebulous entity but it is the countries that comprise it. I find your comments interesting because this is exactly the mentality that is holding the EU back and has caused the major financial difficulties in the South and the so-called Europe of two speeds. There has been a court decision today about granting benefits to EU newcomers, so hopefully, that should settle benefits’ grievances and stop benefits’ migration. However, what about local people that have never worked and rely on benefits for decades on? How should they be tackled?
Yvetta
My point shouldn’t be beyond anyone. To put it plain and simple, every time you see some europhile politician on the TV or in a paper claiming that free movement of people throughout the EU is a “Fundamental Principle”, they are lying
Quite how my dislike of lying politicians is a “mentality that is holding the EU back and has caused the major financial difficulties in the South” is actually beyond me?
On the contrary, it is inept, corrupt, lying politicians that have caused major financial difficulties in the South
Hi Paul, yes that is absolutely right and I am glad that somebody has identified it. Southern politicians have been the ruin of the place. This exactly why they need full integration of the EU, they need non-Greek and non-Italian or etc people to run the country so that the cultural element and the corruption that accompanies it is eliminated. However, it is “people”/countries worried about losing some of their own benefits that have put a stop on further integration. Germany that is on the fiscal front and this is why the Eurozone at least is being predicted to fall apart.
Yes, I agree that free movement of individuals should be amongst the basics of the EU simply because of common sense. But I am totally unaware of the legal aspects of it. The problem is that the UK allowed immigration from the new member states despite the opposite recommendation by the EU and also the British due to their expensive and quite exclusive educational system are finding it hard to compete with the newcomers that are given preference to job-wise and hence people get disgruntled. But, I think that these are issues that can be overcome. You see the current government (which is very anti-eu) is conservative so do you honestly think that they want to educate the masses and give them better job prospect? It is better to eliminate the competition right? But again I am not sure what the statistics is saying about that. Or do the majority of migrants just become cleaners and builders? I don’t know. Sometimes people’s perception does not reflect reality…
@Yvetta
I agree, YOU don’t think [MUCH] about the parries and thrusts of legitimate, bracing and bristling debate.
Perhaps your poor command of English is a factor?
Indeed, some EU migrants [to the UK] SHOULD be required to pass [English] language tests, at least for some roles perhaps?
@Yvetta
“This exactly why they need full integration of the EU, they need non-Greek and non-Italian or etc people to run the country”
….and that is exactly what the Greek and Italian people do not want!….the problem is the EU is trying to do precisely what the majority of its citizens do not want…give more power to unaccountable foreigners in some far off ivory tower called Brussels…Greeks are proud to be Greeks, Italians are proud to be Italians and anyone who says they prefer to call themselves European and fall under the rule of foreign politicians with completely alien values is talking out of their behind
“Yes, I agree that free movement of individuals should be amongst the basics of the EU simply because of common sense”
Unfortunately not. You do not have to be a high paid politician to see if you permit free movement of people across Europe that there is going to be a mass migration from the poorer countries to the richer ones, that would be clear even to a 5 year old..and the more poorer countries the EU tries to ensnare in its globalist ambitions the more poor people there will be moving west….it’s not rocket science
Hi Taquin, my command of English is fine. However, your insults are not. Wherever you are from better keep it to yourself because you won’t be doing the place much justice. Just to be clear that nasty comments not contributing anything to the actual will be ignored in future. I am assuming, this is what everyone does with Tarquin in the real world, that’s why he needs to come here to vomit out his nastiness…
No, give them opportunity to travel and seek the job and then force them to study language
Internal migration shall be without prerquisites since we talk about a “United Europe” where everybody is European instead of French, German, Dutch etc…. However, since the EU is falling apart (due to the unequal development and the competitive geographical advantage of the Center as well as the euro-currency), it will soon become national responsibility of each member state to regulate the subject
Europe isn’t united, never has been and never will be. A bunch of unelected bureaucrats blatantly misrepresenting the freedom of movement for workers with a job lined up doesn’t change that.
@George YIANNITSIOTIS
In the UK you are only a subject if you have a UK passport – otherwise you are referred to as a foreigner.
Marcel, here is what the article actually says:
“Any EU national has the right to:
◾look for a job in another EU country
◾receive the same assistance from the national employment offices as nationals of their host country
◾stay in the host country for a period long enough to look for work, apply for a job and be recruited.
Jobseekers cannot be expelled if they prove that they are continuing to seek employment and have a genuine chance of finding a job.”
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=459&langId=en
You have been ill informed by the looks of it.
“Workers
People who are employed in another EU country are entitled to live there. Jobseekers are also allowed to stay in another country while they are looking for a job. (See the right to look for a job)
The host country may require them, as “EU migrant workers”, to register with the authorities as residents. (See Directive 2004/38/EC)
Other legal and administrative formalities depend on the length of stay – up to 3 months, more than 3 months, or permanent.”
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=460&langId=en
Oh, and by the way, there are European elections that take place every 4 years or so, so people have the choice of voting and EU politicians actually are elected.
@Yvetta
This year’s European elections was the LEAST democratic in a wholly undemocratic process. Your point does NOT stand!
@Yvetta- Hi there,
“The language test”- a typical EU question!
In practice, any employer will decide and take all risk factors into account if his future employee is suitable & qualified enough in every aspect- or not. That’s why there is a probation period. One does not adhere to any political standard or their satisfaction! If a person doesn’t shape up- than the employer must be able to legally & easily “ship” him out!
EU in general: The (in) correct interpretation of all “accumulated & devised rules by the EC” so far, (to make them “enforceable and acceptable” by the EU/EC & its populace)- were never “approved by all voters” nor tested by a 75% EP majority (the ‘common standard’ to change a Constitution). It comes down if one is able to test all these “mere treaty regulations” legality against a valid EU Constitution. The EU, after ~20 years has no Constitution yet! That is problematic for many critics!
The best thing evolved so far is a referral to the “Maastricht Treaty as amended”- called the “Lisbon Treaty” (since 1st Dec 2009)- but only approved under a cloud of controversies & not ratified by all. It is called by many “all semantics” or referred the “Treaty of footnotes” but is still not “Constitution”.
That is & will remain the problem of the ongoing EU experiment. The pro- EU supporters will always refer to the patchwork of past accumulated treaties as “their Constitution”- its critics point out its shortcomings & actual illegality! Now what?
A “Constitution” is a contract with its people- & cannot be amended willy- nilly!
In normal life or common law- once you have a binding contract between 2 parties- nobody can add, change or omit clauses once signed. Such contract becomes illegal/invalid and you will seek court action for relief!
In the EU instant, the EU as the one signatory, continues to amend its contract with its people and empowers itself to be judge and “a party” at the same time! The voters cannot seek relief; the EU parliament is not designed to give relief! The EU remains seriously flawed!
Until a better solution is found, all voters in each Member states should remain protected by their own Constitution- to own and retain their own sovereignty and cooperate on all greater EU matters by CONSENT & not by the EC puppeteer & EP puppet.
Should an EP- “maybe”- on day become relevant & achieve able, all existing parties in all Member states should become synchronized: adopt same names & objectives and reflect a similar wide party diversity which prevails within all Member States at present. But, the present political system has too many vested interests!
Hi Tarquin, please could you explain why the last EU election was the least democratic one, otherwise, we will consider your comment just a void rant.
EU-proactive, I believe, and I am not an expert, that EU treaties and membership are not subject to a referendum but ratification by local parliament. And once again it is the members themselves that decided that. So people will have to blame their own government if they don’t agree with those rules. Also with regards to amendments to any treaties, I am not sure how it works, but what would make sense is that they are decided by the members themselves by voting. Again they would have to be ratified by the local parliament. With regards to constitution, the EU is not a country and has few powers in comparison to local governments so I do not see why one is needed. My understanding is that the EU is falling apart and therefore don’t think that there will be a EU constitution soon. However, candidate countries’ constitutions get checked for specific standards before they are allowed to join and sometimes they have to amend their own constitution as part of the joining process. But again that is subject to local parliament voting. I find a lot of hype around the EU which detracts from the actual problems.
Hi Yvetta,
Who really knows for sure? Actual problems- the “EU Conundrum”: from stagnation, massive unemployment and rising debt- despite austerity- Europe is ill! There are stacks of articles by an army of academia- partly by EU appointees, local and even US think tanks, legal experts- nobody really knows! The certainty is so “accurate” that everybody or nobody could be right or wrong! Some deliberations:
http://www.academia.edu/5669549/The_EU_Democratic_Deficit
Who in the end is accountable to all EU citizens for the collateral damages caused? Nobody? The voters? Local parliaments? The EC? The EP- evolved from an appointed Assembly in 1958 to the “elected” parliament in 1979? Who?
Surely it has to be the leaders & “high powered individuals” who (de-) constructed Europe- into the EU “single handed” over the last decades. Shouldn’t they pay the ultimate price? Should voters in all Member states receive another chance to reflect on all past events & demand a new referendum based on the present status quo? Should the EC and their insiders be allowed to fumble on for another decade? Has the EC succeeded to safeguard themselves with enough treaties, the “law”, the EHRC and intermittent referendums” to hide behind “democratic processes” & ignore the populace? Too many questions, all waiting for an answer!
@Yvetta
Look up the proportion of EU citizens that voted in the EU elections and then consider the proportion of MEPs that voted for JUNKEY.
If they go to South America or Asia, would like to see how these Europeans could pass in a language test…
I think integration is the aim, but I cant go asking people for a language test if I dont speak other languages…
Btw, I agree with Brian Hayes.
Then if it is unmihtlic, it means h?e need not whatever land s?nra wishen to gan.
Then it means they should not go to the country concerned, simple !
If you move to a country which speaks a different language to that of your homeland you have to at least be competent in the new language.
Yes, but first Irish should speak their own language. They SHOULD ADAPT TO US, not US, to them.
@Carlos Wojciech Manrique Pérez
Sorry, but would you please elaborate as your post [if in English] is INCOMPREHENSIBLE!
YES, lets lower all incoming barriers and invite whole world to profit from european social benefits, we can afford it right?
I am not anti-immigrant and advogate reforms in the immigration system in europe if not evite the world to profit from the European social benefits we can do it right
Obviously she’s right! A man or a woman who comes from a poor country should adapt to our language but not be able to pass a language exam . I think it’s stupid.
Maybe there should be more investment in teaching languages in each country which even with a minimal knowledge of another language would make them eligible to enter another country where they could learn and improve their language skills, that’s my opinion.
Maybe there should be more investment in teaching languages in each country which even with a minimal knowledge of another language would make them eligible to enter another country where they could learn and improve their language skills, that’s my opinion.
Of course not. Europe’s lingua franca is English (which almost all young Europeans speak). http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?query=BOOKMARK_DS-057192_QID_-2C43C6D7_UID_-3F171EB0&layout=TIME,C,X,0;GEO,L,Y,0;INDIC_ED,L,Z,0;INDICATORS,C,Z,1;&zSelection=DS-057192INDICATORS,OBS_FLAG;DS-057192INDIC_ED,L03_2;&rankName1=INDIC-ED_1_2_-1_2&rankName2=INDICATORS_1_2_-1_2&rankName3=TIME_1_0_0_0&rankName4=GEO_1_2_0_1&sortR=ASC_0&ppcRK=FIRST&ppcSO=ASC&sortC=ASC_-1_FIRST&rStp=&cStp=&rDCh=&cDCh=&rDM=true&cDM=true&footnes=false&empty=false&wai=false&time_mode=NONE&time_most_recent=false&lang=EN&cfo=%23%23%23%2C%23%23%23.%23%23%23 For other languages, it usually takes time living in a country to learn the language well.
Marian Harkin is completely wrong, if you come to an european country not as a turist, you have to learn the language and laws, most probably in their own country everything is different and not compatible to our customs. If they do not like the language or customs of an european country they will not like to stay, better learn and choose.
Maybe the well payed Marion Harkin is not able to learn languages, if so she is not very bright.
Why not? Language tests will motivate migrants to learn a new language, make friends with local people, and find new jobs.
I agree they should make friends but they certainly do not need to pass a language test. This is a test for exclusion and EU should not be that hypocrite.
yes, they should…
Language test are good to prevent abuse of claiming benefits without having a minimum connection to that society which you ask to support you.
No , Having worked in many different countries language has never been a problem .
We should however see the end of the free movement principle . It was all well and good when the EU was confined to countries of similar wealth (the west) With the expansion eastwards into poorer countries the attraction of higher wages has seen high numbers of jobseekers moving west . In the UK this has seen a compression of wages with an over supply of labour and changes to society in some locations .With large numbers of migrants there is less need to integrate creating division where there used to be harmony and ghettos were there used to be communities .
YES
Immigration is not aimed at accepting the skilled workers. It is part of the wider goal of human coexistence on this planet we all share
No, I don’t think it should be a legal requirement. I would only restrict movement. If I can work in the Czech republic while speaking English, so be it. Learning Czech will make my life easier and it would be a sign of respect towards the local community – but this should come naturally, not from a legal constraint.
I think what she says exactly makes the point… if they cannot pass an English test, sorry go away and learn it then come back…
Language is an important identification factor. I agree with loads of comments; learning the language in a country you choose to live and work is showing respect. If I can work in a other country using English, that’s good too. And frankly, I believe, without either option, learning the national language or have the option to work in e.g. English, it is unlikely for someone to move (unless forced by circumstance or lured by false promise) and rather difficult to remain. I am opposing a legal obligation. I am rather in favour of agreeing on a “common” lingua franka. I can hear all the uproar now, but it does not make much sense to not agree. Without a common language it will always be more difficult to get to an European identity and the freedom of movement is a rather hollow promise. So, every European should be able to at least speak two (someplace three) languages, the national (and regional) mother-tongue and a common language.
The Include Network http://www.includenetwork.eu/index.php?lang=en is looking at how language learning is supporting active social inclusion. We are inviting all the stakeholders ( from a policy as well as practice point of view) to join our young network. We will certainly look into that issue sooner than later.
I think that many questions and motives are being confused.
I´m an immigrant and I’m in the Basque Country where themselves have a language totally diferent of all. I had learn Spanish and it is in Spanish that I comunicate with people! Meanwhile, I´ve being slowly their own language! About the Anti-immigration movements that exists is only because foreigns that don’t want to work and ask for social aids. For that kind of people, I admit that I’m racist or what you want to call me because I simply don’t care about it. All people has the right to move to other country, like me, but with the pourpose to work or study, not with the mood to ask social aids! That kind of movements reclaims for social aids splited equal for all and that don’t exist. I give you an example. If I was an extra communitary person, I had the right to a monthly aid in money, house paied and all kind of stuff! Because I´m a communitary person, I don´t have anyrights at all. It will be fair? I don´t believe in that! If Europe don´t aid people so much for asking so less, for sure that Africans don´t risk their lives to cross Mediterranien Sea. But all it is just my opinion! Greatings!
If you are moving to a new country of course you should learn their language, along with rights come responsibility’s, especially if you are going to be working for a living there, if you are unfortunate enough to have an accident at work, how can a first aider decide the best course of action to take if they can’t converse with you to asses your situation ? if you are moving to another country what right have you to insist they speak your language? you should be learning their language to fit in with them.
First of all, in the beginning they should be allowed to work in an international language (English) or a secondary EU spread language like French or German because it is pretty hard and inefficient to learn a foreign language (think about Swedish or Polish) if you don’t practice with natives speakers.
Secondly, the requirements regarding the local language should be analyzed in accordance with the type of work/ studies the emigrants are there for. For example, if they apply for jobs that don’t require interacting with people/ people that don’t know other language than the national one, they shouldn’t pass any test (Why an IT master should know Polish if he is dealing with numbers?). If the job requires interaction with locals, than they should pass a test, but the language courses should be provided by the host state for minimum 6 months.
It’s not as much about freedom of movement, but about the capacity to communicate in your country of adoption. The EU cannot change the fact that each member state has its own language, and speaking it, or at least being able to make yourself understood is essential, from interacting with local authorities to simply making new friends. Not everyone speaks English, or at least not in all countries. Of course, the level of proficiency would vary according to the nature of work that is carried out. For example, a purely technical type of work may not require the same language skills as a career based on humanities or social sciences. My advice as an EU citizen who has lived abroad for many years is to aquire full command of at least 2 other European languages, apart from the native language, also according to the country/countries in which you would wish to emigrate. Then, sustaining a language test should not be a problem. Plus, for someone who doesn’t speak the language of their country of residence, no matter if EU or non-EU, that also translates into less work opportunities.
@Ivan Burrows How many “skilled” people from “rich” commonwealth countries do you think would want to settle in the rainy UK?
I am an EE national who happens to live in the uk(for study purposes) since the age of 19 . Although, I have heard stories about European people coming here to abuse British welfare, I personally do not know anyone like that. I know, however, many Europeans doing PHDs at Russell group universities or working for big multinational companies, that happen to be based in the UK and offer attractive salaries.
On the other hand, I noticed that most of corner shops and take away places in the UK are owned by so called “commonwealth” nationals who happen to avoid paying taxes by not officially employing people. They would rather have their friends and relatives do the job and pay them anything below minimum wage.
I also came into contact with many Britons, that are around my age, and are highly immersed in hedonistic lifestyle which makes them miss many opportunities that come their way. Waste of potential?
I suggest Mr Burrows to stop reading dailymail and befriend some of the immigrants or go for a walk around your town and analyze the situation with your own eyes.
As for the language, I believe the problem lies in host countries being too accommodating. I wouldn’t go as far as introducing language tests, however I would get rid of free of charge interpreters and any other “special” services. Immigrants need to be put in the same basket as the locals and treated exactly the same, it might be hard for them at first, but only then they will integrate. Immigration is a challenge that is supposed to help a person to develop himself and his skills. It should be an apple on top of the tree and not the apple lying on the ground next to the tree, for immigrants and locals alike.
I think mandatory language tests are an excellent idea. Not as a tool to prevent people from moving to another country, but rather as a tool to help them integrate.
I myself have worked in UK side by side with people who have virtually no English skills. Some did not understand the concept ‘break time’ when told to grab a drink. Now imagine a person falls ill at work – he/she is incapable of explaining what is wrong and how are they feeling thus even the most basic treatment by first aider is impossible. What about fire drills or other kinds emergencies? Not knowing how to behave in an emergency, because you do not understand the training course is a dangerous circumstance, one which could cause your life or the life of another.
Take another angle – integration. Now, do not mix this up with assimilation. I am not propagating that all those who arrive in a foreign country must act, look, talk and eat like the natives. Rather I am talking about having a connection to the natives and their culture.
If you are unable to speak in the local tongue, how do you communicate with your neighbors? You don’t. You don’t participate in the local events, you don’t know your neighborhood, you are unable to perform simple tasks like visiting the pharmacy without someone else help. This can, and often does, lead to the immigrant prioritizing communication predominantly with people who share their roots – they come from the same place and/or speak the same language.
We end up with a process of self-inflicted segregation. Yes, there are still stigmas related to immigrants, which sometimes lead to terrible behavior towards them. However the other side has some ‘homework to do as well. By learning the local language, the person opens up to the local people and their culture, to the local job market and many other opportunities that require communication in the local language.
Tests are but an incentive to learn the language and help themselves. Of course, for this to be beneficial, rather than detrimental, flexible rules allowing for a period dedicated to education must be implemented, among other things.
15/03/2017 Dr. Klaus Lederer, Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Culture and Europe, has responded to this comment.
The freedom of movement is one of the few benefits that we, EU citizens get with our country’s EU membership. If our leaders decide to limit or stop that, then we as citizens will get nothing or very few benefits for compromising our nation’s sovereignty. The EU will be then all about business and I am not sure I would support such union. In other words, hands off of the free movement, and Mr Cameron better find another way to limit the influence of UKIP in his country. European citizens should not have to pay for Britain’s political, economical and social crisis!!
Christos Mouzeviris I would disagree…to the extent that free movement is one of the many benefits we have as European citizens
“I don’t trust no body, ‘coz nobody trusts me. Never gonna trust anybody – and that’s the way it’s gonna be” – Break Stuff song, by Fred Durst from Limp Bizkit.
To name just one, the very high standards of quality, especially in relation to food products (even more so drugs compared to the lax regulation of the FDA in America), and the consumer rights we have. Why I am opposed to the proposed trade deal with the United States as 1 . Their substandard food & under tested drugs will increase their presence in European market, many of our consumers will be unaware of the disparity in quality plus for the same reason our food producers will suffer. 2.Yes we will have increased access to their market but American customers are largely unaware of the low standards needed for approval by their authorities compared to ours, and so decide on price alone and with lower standards their foods and drugs cheaper to produce so will sell far more, both here and there.
This is the most awesome part with the EU, it could be encouraged further. That means more integration and standardisation (for easing resettling, why should I change bank or mobile operator?) and most importantly ensuring open borders (Sweden sometimes pops up with border controls, not even mentioning paranoid UK). The feeling of freedom with not having to face border controls can go a long way in giving MBB normal people a sense of European-ness.
Free movement is a fundamental of EU and it should stay that way. We do not want internal borders in EU. We are all EU citizens.
We talk about internal migration and not about internal hypervolic taxation.it seems that u don’t want the ppl ,but u want their money.what a hypocricy.what a cruelty.
Yes!!!!!!.
Yeah- free beweging of folks should stop if an Land feels it is by every Tom, Dick and Harry been overrun (like Britain).
Why separate brothers and sisters. As example my family and relatives are living in several European countries. Internal borders makes no sense today.
Those are already overhauled. See the Shenken agreement for example of free travel between Shenken countries. I have to show every time multiple times my passport and can’t even take water with me in case the water might explode. Must take my belt away on the checkpoint and hold my pants with my hands. It’s humiliating and that’s the meaning of the entire useless exercise.
Let countries legislate freely once more and let the chips fall where they may.
If we send everyone around its going to be massive chaos. 3 million EU migrants in UK. 2.5 millions British living in Europe. You can decrease the rates of migration by set of laws that tackle migrant benefits and naturalisation but noone is going to be sending anyone around. Not going to happen. Too much money us involved. It’s all about money. Personally I do not care if anyone from Europe lives in my country. Pay taxes learn the language and integrate.
yes! we have to change the laws of internal migration, especialy for those people trabeling with some milion euros to make bussinees in other countries…they are very dangerous for conventional bussiness with small economic disponibliity…and typically those guys are not solidary guys… i mean… they are not like greenpeace or other non gubernamental organizations!…
Why don’t you speak about EXTERNAL migration???
THAT’s what will ruin Europe and our culture!
Does Mr.Cameron forget his country used these immigrants’ countries and left some of them in shambles? But maybe those caught stealing or engaging in criminal activity from Eastern Europe should be sent back. We are getting a lot of pickpockets
The real issue isn’t migration per se. The real issue is why they migrate (some for social welfare causing all the problems). People should be free to move but not to benefit from social welfare in a foreign state in my humble opinion.
Ser capaz de falar a língua do Estado de acolhimento é uma necessidade de sobrevivência, não uma condição de admissão. No entanto já defendo que deve ser obrigatório uma imersão quanto a direitos e deveres enquanto cidadão, nomeadamente à legislação relevante de convivência na comunidade de acolhimento.
Being able to speak the language of the host country is a survival necessity, should not be a condition for admission. However it should be mandatory the immersion to the rights and duties as citizens, namely the relevant legal remarks of living in the host community.
if schengen and other free movement rules are ended, then the EU will end soon after. People will no longer see any personal benefit to the EU.
EU = Europes Genocide
Is it necessary to destroy Europe so that the tories can remain in power?
What rules? There should be one and only one rule – freedom.
Obviously not
Double standarts, separating European Citizens on first and second class Europeans mean only one thing Europeans won`t support such fony thing, think dear politics, don`t let the EU to fail because of stupidity . Restrictions mean benefits only for rich and restrictions for poorer European People, do you really think people will let you play with them this way!
It is an Invasion
Internal migration has 99% economical reasons, so once the huge gap between rich and poor EU countries is normalized there will be no such problem. More threatening is the invasion of immigrants from Syria, Iran, Iraq and other non-EU countries who have very different and incompatible with EU values culture and many of them might be terrorists.
Rules governing tax evasion within the EU need to be overhauled! Xenophobia is against the European ideal.
the answer is : no.
yes, and spread housing. its good for their own future too…
like!!!!!
Yrs
YES!
In Belgium, what language would that be?
Yes.
Isn’t a little bit fascims? I’m in thinking if I were Somenone that is just searching for a better life… And, i guess, that test it would be able in any EU languaje. Just tell me where on earth, people doesn’t know one of this: english, spanish or french
Just as well other countries don’t insist on the British taking a language test.
http://vocabank.info/
yes
they should take a language test! at least 2, English and the language of the country where they like to stay :)
https://www.facebook.com/elaninterculturel
Joyeux Noel et nos meilleurs v?ux pour 2015 !
Nope but an obligation to study the language should be in place if they have no work.
Firstly, what do you mean by migrants? When you refer to migrants from within and outside Europe, you put yourself – and the debate itself – outside the framework of the European ideal that grounds the EU and its Treaties. Without freedom of circulation of persons there is no EU! Attempts to limit the freedom of movement to capital and merchandise are a kind of coup d’Etat aiming to change the EU into EFTA.
Secondly. what would be the criterion to evaluate the relative dimension and relevance of each language? Number of speakers? Geographic area? Syntactic and grammatical quality? Economic? My language, Portuguese, is spoken by more than 250 million over several continents, is the second trade language f the southern hemisphere, the fifth around the world, and is immensely sophisticated.
Finally, Sirs, the main actual problem inside the EU is not the personal diversity, it is a new form of growing racism and discrimination, disguised by attitudes of superiority assumed by persons who consider themselves superior (Uebermensch) to other supposedly inferior (Untermensh).
Internal migration? Is this a joke? Seriously? Lets worry about migrants comming to the EU and not internal migrants. The EU was sold to Europeans as a bait and switch. Promised one thing and got totally the opposite. As far as migration to the EU. Anyone that wants to enter the EU should do so on a requirements basis. First, do we need more migrants? with countries like Spain at a 25% unemployement rate and 12% migrant population already. And out of those 6 million only 1,5 work. All who want to come must be screened. And yes I believe they need to learn the language, integration is not possible if they do not.
I find it funny how EU discriminates against EU citizens, but non EU citizens receive positive discrimination. First I believe we need a few referendums in the EU. First if we want the EU to continue. Second exterior immigration into EU. There should be no discussing if EU citizens should have freedom of movement, they should however learn the language of the country they move to. But since the EU is not made to function as so, as some countries discriminate towards citizens from other EU countries, yet not foreign immigrants. Germany, UK and some other countries are trying to deport Spanish immigrants but hey look, muslims and other 3rd world country immigrants, come come,as many as you want, you are welcomed. Isn’t the EU great?
As far as language, I personally dont believe in mixed language education. I as an immigrant myself, when we moved to the USA I was 8 years old and I got thrown in with American kids and learned English right away. At 3 months time I was speaking perfect English. They had no Spanish teachers or any programs to “help” me. However several years later when more Spanish speaking immigrants started arriving the put a program in place calle ESL(English as a Second Language). Well the kids in those programs took for eve to integrate and learn English. Yes, it looks good on paper, but not in actuality.
The imperial countries should take the outside-EU migrants. They benefited when they colonised them, let them reap their rewards now
People! When someone moves from his or her home country or region or town, one migrates. That should settle that. If not, read the dictionary. It makes for good bedtime reading, at least…
As to regulations on language, I believe in facilitating language learning, encouraging language learning, particularly of the new home country tow which one has migrated. I am tired of regulations for everything. When a government official does not know what to do he or she regulates. It is the easy way out.
It is not language that causes extremists to act and resurface. It is the conglomerate of misguided benefits that often are bestowed upon newcomers while local people are left in the cold. That is what needs to be fixed!
No! At least not at the beginning! Except english native speaker countries, would you still go in germany, NL, Spain etc? No. Maybe after a year of permanence in the country would make sense.
Absolutely! There is no way to live in a country without speaking its language
It is imperative that anyone wishing to live in any country speak the native language of the host country. This not only aids integration but also enhances the chances and opportunities for work.
well, I then german, english, russian people living in the mediterranian coast will have to abandon this place and return to their countries… the seafood will become much cheaper!.
No way, otherwise what`s the point of EU, to take other nations markets, brake their industry and colonise them, people see the double standart in that!
It s a bit dictatorial for my taste.But they shoul be obligated to study the language and only then do a small test
This is unfair! why are English Speakers not required to do so? In Many countries in Europe one tries to speak their language and people try to switch to English and at times adamantly insist on it. Why? Do they want to practice or why? Others give up on relating to you if your level is clumsy. In the past, and in many fields today, migrants have not been required to speak anything as long as they remain cheap laborers! This is alienation and protectionism. You want to be progressive and productive offer intensive long-duration courses with programs of acculturation. Otherwise this is Neo- Fascism!
This is unfair! why are English Speakers not required to do so? In Many countries in Europe one tries to speak their language and people try to switch to English and at times adamantly insist on it. Why? Do they want to practice or why? Others give up on relating to you if your level is clumsy. In the past, and in many fields today, migrants have not been required to speak anything as long as they remain cheap laborers! This is alienation and protectionism. You want to be progressive and productive offer intensive long-duration courses with programs of acculturation. Otherwise this is Neo- Fascism!
Not required, but they should highly be encouraged and incentivised to do so
Not required, but they should highly be encouraged and incentivised to do so
Of course!
It makes sense if they intend to work abroad
Yes, plus, in countries with more than one language which is alive (ie; Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, etc) if the languages aforementioned are spoken and used by the population (like dutch in belgium, catalan or galician in Spain, Welsh in the UK…..) they should learn THAT language. Its not nice to be Galician, Dutch-Speaking belgian, catalan) and that people comes to you thinking they are doing you a favour while speaking in French or Spanish. Also, It is very unnice if a Russian (and I love that country) goes to live in Estonia (its my second country) and doesn’t speak a word of Estonian and gets pissed of when they are spoken to in that language. Also, I think intensive long-term courses and acculturation prograns as Javier Ortiz says is a good point too. The world needs a lingua franca for international relations, be it english, french,russian, or esperanto or whatever. But not erasing any language or identity because some lazy idiot wants to live in a Ghetto. Or because someone thinks that a world lingua franca means that others should dissapear.
Also, the European Parliament should be only in English. Because there a common language is needed, but in the countries/regions the language of that should be mandatory.
hmmm. Should nationals pass an intelligence test before going to the poll stations?
Should Debating Europe be allowed to ask stupid questions?
Yes, for migrants outside eu.
For EU citizens no, for migrants that come from countries outside EU i agree.
Yes! it is part of an immersion! I can’t go to Germany or England and expect them to accommodate me and act like me. If I go there to seek employment it means my country can’t offer me the job I want or need.
Yes!
Of course
not unless their job requires them to speak a particular language
No.
No!
It would defeat the purpose behind freedom of movement.
EU-citizens should take the responsibility of understanding what is required to live in a new country.
Yes, passing a language exam should be mandatory. It doesn’t have to be a proficiency level or something like that, basic knowledge would suffice in the beginning. Learning the host country’s language is key for successful integration into the society, plus it is of benefit for the migrants themselves , as it would help them get by in daily life situations. Bottom line: proper command of the language=key for successful integration in all aspects, be it studies, work, etc.
NO, it will jeopardize freedom of movement! there r jobs that dont require specific language others that do you obviously can’t do them,without that language. simple! we need less bureaucracy more freedom, thats what EU should be about!
Yes. Health and safety often depend on knowledge of the local language. People must be able to communicate with police and healthcare workers in an emergency. Social integration is also very important.
No
Its not a freedom
If they find job after the job they will learn language and manage their own way
ma de che….
No. Everybody should be encouraged to take classes as soon as you are in the country. Nobody should be forced and for sure not be required to do so beforehand!
Whether they are to be obliged or not is not important, but they should not expect the locals speak their language and their language only, especially Brits who come to Malta to work or settle
Even just to A2 level, Ingo?
Yes and to B3 level as well !
Yes!!!
Yes, they should.
If we do not have freedom of movement for people, why should we allow free movement of capitals? It’s a complete nonsense and exploitation of the poorest
Indeed..
No. It shouldn’t be mandatory, because anyway the work market makes the selection in the end. Afterall, choosing another country to work in might be in some cases exactly the mean to help an individual learn faster the language (and of course, the culture) of that specific adoptive country. I know from my experience that, although a bit difficult, this case of learning process is also a tremendous and fulfilling experience. I like to think that it creates stronger ties between the individual and the adoptive country. Nevertheless he must be aware from the very beginning about his responsibilities, regardless his local language knowledge.
Must be..
Yes, at least in English as the unique oficial language of the EU.
Yes. Especially the hardest language to leann – polish. People come to PL where you cn’t comunicate with gov officials in other languages. Basic language should be required. There should also be mendatory requirement to learn the language in each country. I know people living here 6 years and speaking only few words. Always asking ”come with me just in case no one there speaks PL”. After 6 years you should do it damn on your own.
Yes… Is good for many reasons: to understand the nation laws and citiziens, to enter in a different world is a must, to feel part of the new home country with culture, music, food ecc ecc il a fondamental task
Polish the hardest to learn?! Don’t make me laugh!
yes they should, but some time must be given to them to stay in the country they have choosen
Yes and…not a test but obligated lessons at the beginning with free opportunity to learn foreign language. This is important. Mixed housing rules. People should feel equal for a start this way you do not create racism, since racism is always created, not a standard….
Not only language test. Cultural and values tests are important too.
No. Just cut the social welfare.
Sim. Devia ser obrigatrio. Se ests noutro pas, deve-se aprender a lingua desse Pas.
Os Ingleses deviam ser obrigados a aprender, tal como os espanhis.
Yes, to live in a different country you must be able to communicate with the people of that country.
language is important & should be the first step for a real deep integration quick job found
let me ask you, what about Swiss and Belgians? They don’t even know all their languages yet they live in the same country.Should they introduce mandatory tests in order to move from one part of the country to another
Yes, ENGLISH for all!
Yes they should because if you don’t do this you’re in danger of being a foreigner in your own country. There are places of work in UK where the language spoken is not english anymore. Cause the big entrepreneur want cheap Labour force.
There should not be tests at the beginning but after 6-12 months to give them a chance to learn it
No !We have already too much obligations.
No
YES, definitely – local language for respective country!
yes. Atleast some basics, then other later. Its bout showing respect to country that gave u another chance that u didnt get at home.
So many collectivists here, it is disgusting.
yea sorry at least basic conversational level
http://vocabank.info/
yes, integration it’s also communication.
NO! Each country, as part of their “permanent residence for foreigners” procedures should set their conditions, their demands.
I believe the EU should stop this “regulatory fever” and get onto the business of creating a cohesive, dignified society where everyone loves to live, including the Europeans!
And, while at it, stop pandering to the oligarchs.
The lack of Spanish in the image (taking into account its importance worlwide) clearly confirms that it is NOT a real Union.
no thats absolute rubbish… anyway if people want to get anywhere in a country they have to learn some words…. but europe isn’t integrating other people into a country… thats immigration… no european integration is through the layers of the class society and the beauty of it resides in the diaspora of people who make it up… nobody wants to end up with an even more big brother type society with, a unique way of thinking, one language and one reasoning… this is probably an idea by people who speak dialects rather than languages.. and can’t make the effort to learn one or two more than their own…
Definitely! I’ve raised this issue locally (Malta) for a while now. I’m tired of being served by people who cannot speak my native language and refuse to have to shift to another language just to get what I need. When in Rome do as the Romans do or get lost please!
Of course and all Europeans should be able to have a conservation in English? How could we build Europe with just our mother tongues?
Should debatingeurope pass an IQ test because of these questions…
I agree….. We should start first with the members of the European Parlament, with the persons that have responsibility on the UE and then to the common people….
YES !
Hell no, without language engineers still solve problem.. mathematic is the language..
No. If you move to another country necessity will make you learn the language. Unless you’re a Brit moving to Spain of course.
Yes, sure!!
No, so we have an EU at the first place???
In theory yes, but allow individual nations to set their own standards. We saw what you did there, Big Brother EU
It depends on the kind of work they want to do in the foreign country.
I totally agree with Brian Hayes, there should be an obligation to learn the hosting county’s language in order to move there, however the common sense dictates the migrant should try their hardest to learn it. The country shouldn’t have to adapt to the immigrant but the immigrant should have to adapt to the country, its culture and its rules.
No!,,,!!!!
This is racist!
A letter in todays Mail on Sunday which I think answers the above question beautifully :) :- Common Sense in Any Language. A few years ago my wife took a position in the Hague and, to ask about work in the city for myself, I went to a recruitment agency. In English I explained that I might be looking for work and the woman replied in English that she would be delighted to help. I explained I was a mechanical fitter and a qualified gas welder and that I had a licence to drive a 15-ton forklift truck. I said I was prepared to work on site or in a factory. At this point she started screaming in Dutch. When she finished, I asked what was happening and she explained she was pretending to be a future Dutch colleague who was trying to warn me, in his natural tongue, that I was about to have a fatal accident. ‘You would die by not understanding the language’ she said. ‘That is the reason the Dutch Government will not allow me to help you get such a job’. I left with a smile on my face, thanking common sense. :) :) :)
Yes, I think it’s necessary for them, but the EU institutions must provide to create free languages courses. The problem is that also for many EU citizens, speaking other languages it’s not simple. Also in this case the EU must improve courses in national schools because future generations must speak at least theire language and English.
we as EU have one language for the outsiters and this is englisch or ?
No, of course not! If you are in a new country, looking for a job, listening every day to the new language, you will learn it much quicker. There should be language schools for free to support this effort. Also Germany should abandon this nonsense of asking also the foreign spouse of german citizens to learn the language before granting them residence permit. It is very cruel to keep a couple seperated for at least one year, only to feed the Goethe Instituts with money in the countries of origins. This is not at all fair, it abolishes the basic human right of an indisturbed personal an family life and I suppose that it is ment to make it difficult for a german to marry a foreigner.
Language is necessary for communication with natives and to fit in society, people should know at least basic level.
Nope…. Europe should become multilingual.. They should though learn the language eventually
That’s just non sense.
I also think migrants should learn the language of the host country. Not only in order to be understood by other people they will be living with but also to understand what they’re told! They should learn the language for administrative purposes!
Je speak portugus
Yes
worst than what you expected!
yes if you come abroad of the EU.
Obviously they should …
Why.? Tusk don’t speak French, Dutch or German……. And is working in Bruxelles….
Definitely yes!
I think it depends on the job, really.
If the role is very specific, and if it involves looking after other people and relies heavily on communication skills (i.e. healthcare jobs in the British NHS), then yes, one should pass a language test.
But for other general/trading/commercial jobs, no, it shouldn’t be necessary… the selection process will be natural and spontaneous…
of course not
My serbian Math teacher had a saying “Nothing in Life is Mandatory except that you must die”! LoL, I think she’s absolutely right!
let’s see… All EU countries de facto have at least two working languages – the native language and English. How about a rule that in order to emigrate to another country you need to master at least one of the two – either the native language or English. otherwise you are dead weight on the tax payers as you cannot work, cannot communicate and you put yourself in the margin. so if for instance you want to go to Germany speak either German or English, if you want to live in Greece speak either Greek or English. And that should be the minimum requirement.
The official language of the German state however, is German; similar, in Greece is Greek etc. All contacts with public authorities have to be done in their official language; not english!
Of course not. Silly idea, unless the true goal is to stop immigration. Germany now requires non-EU immigrants to learn German BEFORE they are allowed in. Bad for business too. Businesses would have to move to the UK or Ireland because that’s the only countries where most foreigners understand the local language.
YES…
ouuuuuuuahh
ouuuuuuuahh
As a citizen of the world I have the right to try and be happy anywhere I like as long as I contribute to the wellness of those surrounding me and don’t depend on them. I don’t need to speak their language for that.
No!! There is a all ‘babylon’ of labguages, its impossible to master so many…and its against any EU treaty. So its better to finish the EU and lets start 3rd world war :p
No!! There is a all ‘babylon’ of labguages, its impossible to master so many…and its against any EU treaty. So its better to finish the EU and lets start 3rd world war :p
The states don’t need to make a rule. Now to work as a cleaner or delivery in Denmark companies demand english language.The “market” does its own ‘segregation’ and serves his needs
I would suggest a course for native speakers too ;) (especially in Italy)
Of course not. Freedom of movement is a fundamendal right enshrined in the eu treaties. If we hinder this in any way, we might as well scrap all the eu altogether.
Of course not. Freedom of movement is a fundamendal right enshrined in the eu treaties. If we hinder this in any way, we might as well scrap all the eu altogether.
Is the question constructive. No? Sorry, no answer.
Se fosse assim, ningum vinha para Portugal, falamos quase todas as lnguas e poucos europeus sabem falar a nossa!! Ficaramos a perder!
Bonjour Offcuse not were is the free Movement then.
Yes, they should pass.
language tests or language classes?
would be a bit hard to arrive ready to go.
they should take language and civilization classes and be required to pass them within a year
NOOOOOOO! It would reduce the mobility in Europe. You can learn a new language by living in a Country. You cannot be asked to have a high Spanish level before living in Spain, or a high English level before living in the UK. It’s unacceptable to ask people to have an advanced knowledge of a language without having lived in that Country.
Why? If they are millionaires what they have to do is bring their money along. Arabs chinese and others go to many countries in the EU and often they only speak basic english.
I think they sould make language lessons mandatory. I’m against the tests , because this goes against the idea of mobility , that is the base of the UN. Besides most europeans are fluent only in their mother tongue , french can only speak french , most spanish can only speak spanish , this Also goes for italians , english and etc.
No.
People should be given a period to attend classes and then pass a test.
Provides for better integration and more self reliance.
An African or Arab crap does not need to know the language …
Europe suppose first to open the FREE learning access and FREE certification to all EU languages learning for all levels of difficulties like daily life conversation, conversation for administrative affairs as EU citizens ( instantation for every big country ), conversation for various professional areas ( business administration, civil-engineering, metal engineering, biotech, life sciences, financial services like banking, insurance ), academic level…all these areas to be free. After that the request for certificated knowledge of prime ( english, french, german, spanish ) main and other EU languages like Slavic languages, portugese, Scandinavian langugages, Hungarian, …is pretty logical. And is matter of curiosity and desire to integrate and own contribution …
There should be a test. It’s upsetting ti see that there’s so many people that don’t know anything more than “yes, start, stop, and no in languages”
Immigrants finding hard to settle in a society that`s for sure and yeah i support that campaign , yeap it should be a test x
No. End of.
Salada Russa!
I’d be glad to. Knowing languages is a benefit and I can’t understand why it poses such a problem.
No but you should try and learn the local language
EU migrants? As in EU citizens moving between countries? God. Please. End. EU.
Life is unfair enough look at all those poor refugees fleeing war stuck in limbo in Calais northern France some people might not have an aptitude for learning languages borders should be open to people who want to live a good life
Wondering in which countries Portuguese, French, German, Italian, etcetera are part of the school curriculum. I guess we are dominated by English. Are we?????
How can they get jobs if they dont speak the local language ?!
The post is great ! Everybody should speak foreign languages, 2 or 3….or as many as posible. Globalisation can not be stopped.
English is sufficient
govorite slovensko, nemara
Somos livres de praticar a lngua de outro estado-membro, no entanto a identidade…
that is strictly against the free circulation act. aren’t you ashamed posing such question? who is responsable????
http://Www.alouminiaxania.gr i want i like please.
That’s a stupid question worthy of only idiot nationalists. The EU proves every day that borders & barriers are artificial and exist only when people create them. The time for that kind of thinking is over. A brief glance at European history before the EU is enough to ask those who oppose unity to shut up.
No.
that would be discrimination
Nein
???.
???.
we speak americano
No problem for me. But I am worried for brits having mandatory language tests before coming into Romania :-))
An individual acts to improve his circumstances. To do so, he chooses among various available means in order to achieve his ends.
Start thinking of this:The European Central Bank (ECB) finally pulled the QE trigger by committing to purchase 60 billion euros of government debt and other assets every month until September of 2016 or until inflation gets closer to 2 percent.
The made-up excuse for this legal counterfeiting is that Europe is dangerously close to having (a very flawed) index of consumer prices drop below zero; as though calamity would strike Europe if the index were to register a negative number. The ECB claims it needs to print money because lower oil prices and ? previous to that ? a stronger euro were causing average prices to deviate from its 2 percent inflation target. It?s like having your supermarket run a 50 percent off sale on steak one weekend, and then having the ECB try to make all other prices in the supermarket go up so your total bill at the cash register goes up.
The 2 percent inflation was never meant to be a target, but a ceiling. The problem has never been too little printing but too much printing. Deflation has never been a real problem (see here, here and here), but bouts of inflation have regularly led to chaos and social upheaval.”
Absolutely.
Of course!
Of course!
No, but if they can’t speak the local language they should not expect to get any benefits or public support of any kind.
With what right do you imply that EU migrants are less worthy than others???? Should EU/EC/EP staff be required to pass language tests when they come to work in Brussels would be a more adequate question.
I know a lot of natives could not pass an English test
I assume Brits will have go pass a test before moving to the mainland
Aquiring basic language skills in the new country is in my opinion also a matter of respect toward the country the emigrant expects to be offered better possibilities and options. It is also a hard task especially for less young emigrants. Education plays a key role in this topic and a good start would be introducing more foreign EU languages in primary school. The actual sad situation is that countries are confronted with many emigrants willing to work but lacking the language skills to do so. Considering the natality across Europe i believe more effort and financial support should be put into teaching emigrants the respective languages with the specific aim of better integration in the work market.
Of course is the minimum
Why on earth? The president of Spain is monolingual!!!!
Yes
No offcouse not
So then expell allotment native citizens that fail 9th grade to
Only those from Bavaria …
SHOULD BE TAUGHT A GLOBAL LANGUAGE .
NOT TESTED LIKE A CRIMINAL
In a perfect World this would have been the SOLUTION. In our world, better to adapt to the local conditions and ethics rather than bringing backward attitudes in developed societies.
This idiotic Debating Europe portal should be shut down. With your more and more outlandish topics you are nothing else but a pest. And the picture above shows how narrow minded you are seeing migrants in Europe as a cheap labour. Put some Indians and Pakistanis instead that the UK lets enter Europe in hordes, and we will talk
Mandatory language classes not tests
¿
yes, mandatory test needed.
No!!!
YES, definitely. Regardless of job to be done, communication is key to live and work anywhere in the world, respecting local communities/people.
What do you mean by mandatory language tests? In Belgium people need to talk 3 languages (Dutch, French and German). These languages are official. Is this problem solved for the Belgians? What is according to you the mandatory language in Belgium?
yes
Yes ! Just the basics enough to Fill in UB40 forms !
yes, English
You pay to sit a Health & Safety test to work on a construction site and the guy working next to you can’t string a sentence if something went wrong!! Yes learn the language. .
ja und einen Kultur kurs
This is for getting the nationality, not to cross the border…
Insteed you should impose languages classes in order to better integrate…it is impossible to know all the languages of the countries where we would like to stay…
First we go there,we try to learn and see if we like to stay, then decide.
I don’t think it would be the end of freedom of movement but I also don’t see the point of mandatory language tests. I see the point of language tests for citizenship but where do you draw the line? Many migrats do stay temporarily, even if they have permanent contracts.
If I move temporarily because of being sent by my company on a client’s site for a month or two, should I learn the official language of the country I’m being sent to every time? And in the case of multiple official languages, should I learn them all? How does that all fit in?
And I don’t always know for how long I’ll go. Once I was to officially stay in Oslo for 2 months and ended up staying 6 with a week’s break in between.I was given just a month’s notice, barely enough to pass a few chapters in Duolingo.
Welfare tourism is a particular problem, while workforce migration is a solution to a different problem. Language tests are a wide net that will hit all indiscriminately.
If you look for work, you may get the right job offer from a country you’ve never considered before – the idea will ensure that everyone loses: the company who needs the worker and the worker who may remain jobless, all because some people in totally different situations pose a different kind of problem.
Only english
I think native europeans people are just so much agree with the concept of a minimal European values knowledge. And language is part of it.
It Mek n we sign on de dole ..:-)
Hell, no! There is plenty of expats who use English in international companies, plus many people learn the language only once they are there (because it is the most effective thing to do). Another idiotic bureaucratic meddling, if you ask me.
Yes, but no as criteria for entering. But to offer them, the proper level of language studinying and proper program of integrational activities.
Yes!
When you go to the Commune or town hall to register in Germany you are automatically offered 6 months of language classes,,,,,,, and frankly most Europeans from Eastern countries speak better English then the Irish or British ahah
it is a stupid question and in particular the word mandatory. The countries should have arranged appropriate facilities to accommondate the requirement of native language too.
At least english, yes.
Very interesting! We have to improve the level of English in Spanish schools!
No
What about non EU migrants? Why just the EU migrants are in discussion all the time when it is about migration to the UK? :-(
Yes
Yes, and attitude test too.
Why?
Mandatory is always good. Our anglosaxon friends just love it.
Vee have got veys to make you speak English ;)
Well, EU should choose a common language like english for example in future! I do not think it will help this language tests so much, because many of the immigrants do speak the language of that country they live in. And those who don’t, they learn it fast, if they intend to live there for longer periods of time. The problem with welfare comes from breaking human rights laws and treating unfairly the immigrants. Why so? Many of the immigrants are brought into a country without work contracts or with short terms contracts, or through recruiting companies, which they do use these people and threw them out of the job without too many reasons. If EU will make sure the laws of employment for locals and immigrants are strict and do not brake human right fundamental laws…you will see a change! Those immigrants will work, not be unemployed.
Half the population wouldn’t pass a language test….
EU should make sure the laws for employment are not broken by the employer…these immigrants are treated very badly at work places. The language do not play a major role, once most of them speak the language or they will learn it fast.
Yes for mandatory language classes but not for tests … some people learning slower than others… Not everybody Einstein … heck, even he failed one of his math test back in his time.
Yes
Of course not. All that should be expected of them is a bona fide effort to make a positive contribution to society and not be an unfair burden on others. If they can do that without fluency in the local language, good for them.
Mandatory test will be a way to some kind of abuse and limitation of free movement in the EU , it is a Troian Horse.
Italians, Spanish, al all other workers that migrated in Belgium to work in mines were not allowed to have primary schools in their language. They had to learn in French or in Dutch…
Free movement of people is a right, it is a pillar of the EU. No limitations have to be set
yes, you can not integrate in a society without speaking the language
Which language?
no
yes
An elementary understanding and a genuine countinouos effort toward fluency of the language is the least what could be expected from foreignes if they want to settle down peacefully in another country…
no !!! I am working in Cambodia for an international organization. Should I pass a khmer exam when all the reports, presentations etc are in English and french ???
1. language 2. basic knowledge of cultural, social, political and geographic of the choosen country. this is the minimun.
If there’s a need to make all 24 languages(probably more if new countries join) official languages, then it is also necessary to make it a requirement to be able to at least communicate with basic language skills. But one steo back, learning a language may be easy or not, it is not very wise and also it is time and money consuming to learn a language. I myself speak 5 languages but I don’t think I would pass the Finnish or Hungarian language test if I were to work there, since the languages are too intimidating. So I suggest that so far only people who work in another EU country should pass a language test.
No
I don’t understand, how we can speak about something like this in the globalisation era, I don’t understand we want to return back with one century?
Ridiculous question.
If there’s a need to make all 24 languages(probably more if new countries join) official languages, then it is also necessary to make it a requirement to be able to at least communicate with basic language skills. But one steo back, learning a language may be easy or not, it is not very wise and also it is time and money consuming to learn a language. I myself speak 5 languages but I don’t think I would pass the Finnish or Hungarian language test if I were to work there, since the languages are too intimidating. So I suggest that so far only people who work in another EU country should pass a language test.
Yes.
Yes
YES, of course…That is why I speak 8 of them and my sons speak and are familiar with 5 EU languages…It must become compulsory from Kindergarten time, because then children learn the sounds of the language NOT the grammar which they then absorb subconsciously…
Yes
NO..
If the same applies to Brits living in europe . I know English living in Spain for 30 years who can’t speak Spanish.
Yes
No. Nein. Non. Ne.
Politions should be testes ON their skills and knowledge
If immigrants/expats fail to pass the exam? Then what, expel them from the country? What if only one family member doesn’t pass it? Let’s say the mother. Expel the whole family? Or just the mother?
While it’s a good thing to encourage people to learn the language, and provide facilities for them to do so. I think it’s a terrible idea to enforce a legal obligation, as legal obligations carry sanctions.
I think it’s a terrible idea to enforce a legal obligation, as legal obligations carry sanctions.
Exact and right!
That would be a great idea, especially because there are Brits living in southern Portugal and Spain for decades that still cannot speak the language.
I can work anywhere with only english skills, or being payed to go to a call center in spain because they need portuguese fluent people.. That doesn’t make any sense.
No
No, it would violate freedom of movement and right to self-determination. Just cancel welfare systems. Most of migrants will have to adapt to get a job, and survive; or they will move somewhere else, or stay home.
No
Shut down? Wow that’s democratic now…
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Yes
Different languages like in Babylon. Babylon was on the banks of the Euphrates River and was noted for its luxury, its fortifications, and, particularly, for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Yes
yes
yes
yes
No!
No. No restrictions inside EU.
No……..many of our people move to Europe without French,Italian, German etc…….the best way to learn is by living among English speakers.
Lets simplify!: acknowlegde english as inter-national language (is already a fact) because we need a common language and english is the most worthy for that effect: it is a germanic language, so Germany shut up; it haves enough latin in it, so France and Spain, Italy and Portugal shut up as well. It is much simpler to learn than any other european language. That is really why it haves so much success.
That is so stupid!!
Most British living in Spain would fail this test. Most do not speak Spanish or integrate with Spanish society.
EU citizens are allowed to free circulation by EU conventions and treaties.
Very complicated topic , but I think the basic knowledge of the local language is mandatory for every citizen beside the social behavior with all the respect to belief and the ethnic culture of the emigrant, this will be helpful for him and for the state where he wants to live !
Dangerous way to put the question. The first and “correct” question should be qualitative, such as: “how beneficial it is for a migrant to know the language of the host country”.
Yeah sure set up language schools right on the migrant boats right. … The countries should set up a mechanism after the migrants’ arrival. This could be done with the help of ngos (volunteers, students in the field of education. …) not necessarily on a ministrial level. Deal done. Simplifying much?
No worries…
No! I remember that politician woman that candidates for European Parlament,she didn’t know to speak in French language. So, ask before the politicians to know many languages.
They should learn the language of the country, if not how can they work.
Since we have free movement of people within the EU this is not a point of discussion. But be reasonable, if you want to settle somewhere else, it would be convenient to -at least- know some basic local language. If you’re ‘just’ expatting, you probably speek the languages required for the job… This is a good discussion though, the theme is brought up more and more since the latest central European countries joined the EU. Of course its the frightened part of society that raises these questions. I think we should relax. There were times that the English spoke French; the Dutch were kind of Germans (one of the lines in our hymne says that William of Orange is from German blood…); Norway was more or less a part of Denmark; Hungary as a state did not exist at all; et cetera and still we try to believe we all belong to a special/different culture than our fellow Europeans. There was even a time that Budapest was the cultural and scientific capitol of Europe. There is a picture in the National Gallery in London that shows a view on Nijmegen (NL) and actually is painted somewhere in Italy… Europe is a ‘country’ of internal migrants for ages.
They should be given a language course but also a course to explain to them the implications of the rule of law, civics and human rights. Which means they can integrate with their own culture and religion by signing a contract in which they are made to understand beforehand that they must respect the law of the host country, human rights and the host community at large, in particular women and children. I.e. no headscarves, no infibulation, no child labour, no hate speeches in mosques, etc
Yes
One day when we are a minority and them governing us we will wake up…. too late
Τhe members of various big companies and “investors” and EU officials of course.
we mostly need language support and not obligation. Most of the immigrants want to learn the language of the place where we live but it is often hard. In Geneva for example it is hard to start trying to talk to people in French since non-perfect language skills are often looked down upon.
We need a framework for learning the language. With the correct infrastructure it would not take more than a few months for an educated person to be capable of communication in the new language a year or so and we could be fluent.
We don’t need laws to prevent people from entering. We need weekend classes to help them strive!
This is just utter rubbish. If people come to England, they’d better know, learn and use the language of this land. THE SAME SHOULD GO WITH EVERY COUNTRY!!! If you go to Germany, learn German! It’s not difficult. If you go to France, learn French, stop leaning on your crutch of english: that’s (1) disrespectful of the national sovereignty and culture of the land you go to; (2) hypocritical when considering the pressures we place on foreigns coming to the english speaking world; (3) even if the country let it slide…just down right lazy of those countries for not making the same solid effort, as Britain has made, in enforcing their own language/culture.
Contrary to others, I believe that enforcing language requirements will actually improve the economy: only those people will come to / be allowed in the country, who really want to actively take part in it. E. g., all Northamericans who think they can come to Europe and be treated like kings without having to adapt, whilst slavic people who make on the average a more concerted effort to integrate and yet get treated worse by us than Americans — this injustice amongst others will end. Those who do not wish to integrate will be discouraged. The end result: countried which are more nationally sovereign, more packed with people who are focussed on building up the nation, they are in, and less people, who hop from one place to the other, who otherwise typically take over jobs from localers and those who are more integrated in the system.
And what is this rubbish about the Commonwealth? Wake up! That dead relict is gone. Australia is a desert Island, Canada does not give two hoots about England and India doesn’t wish to trade with the UK: they would rather trade with the European Union and with strong industrial nations like France and Germany. Englands place in the world is Europe: stop sitting on the fence! Get involved with your neighbours! Learn their languages and cultures, just as much as they learn yours! Forget America and the Commonwealth: these are not our neighbours. Europe is the only place where we have real power (if we were to just stop sitting on the fence and were to team up with France and give Brussels a kick in the bum).
.
Just another EU created crisis.
We honestly do not care what you do with them as long as they stay in Europe and do not get into Great Britain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syyl0gfNDRE
.
The ‘European’ experiment has been an complete failure & it is time to end the idiotic Schengen agreement before it gets any worse.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3193887/Bring-borders-German-police-demand-reintroduction-passport-controls-Europe-cope-influx-refugees-make-easier-send-home.html
Yes , but States should offer to them a language course !
All equation systems need a free variable. That variable is needed to adjust. The EU created the Euro, thus preventing countries to adjust by devaluating currency, The Euro monetary policy prevents economic growth, Europeans do not want fiscal solidarity (or even loans) to finance the internal imbalances of the EU. There is only one «adjustment variable» available and that is MIGRATION. Mass migration, in the face of mass imbalances in european equations…
no
no!
No!
No!
Yes please! It brings in equality in laws concerning TCN immigrants who have to learn language anyway to settle in an EU country.
Besides you can’t just do moneymaking, glue to your community & not be able to communicate to the locals properly. A very noticeable problem with Bulgarians and Romanians in Germany & UK!!!
Besides you can’t just do moneymaking, glue to your community & not be able to communicate to the locals properly. A very noticeable problem with Bulgarians and Romanians in Germany & UK!!!
Europe is full and should be closed. Migrants are not welcome regardless of their language skills. Don’t listen to the media. Ask the people.
Europe is full and should be closed. Migrants are not welcome regardless of their language skills. Don’t listen to the media. Ask the people.
Do you think, that somebody who run away from war will spend few weeks learning languages befor going away?
Do you think, that somebody who run away from war will spend few weeks learning languages befor going away?
Yes
Yes
Of corse, and make an oath to respect the local institution, laws, rules and mores
Of corse, and make an oath to respect the local institution, laws, rules and mores
Of course they should. Migrating to settle in one place implies the obkigation to speak the language, to obbey the local law and rules, to respect the culture , religion and tradition of the hosts.
This is so obvious.
Why move to one place if you don t like it, know it and agree with the new way of life ?
When in Rome, do what Romans do. That s so obvious and civilized.
Of course they should. Migrating to settle in one place implies the obkigation to speak the language, to obbey the local law and rules, to respect the culture , religion and tradition of the hosts.
This is so obvious.
Why move to one place if you don t like it, know it and agree with the new way of life ?
When in Rome, do what Romans do. That s so obvious and civilized.
Political refugees are a different matter
Governments must find solutions at the highest level to stop people from migrating and invading other countries with hundred of thousands
Political refugees are a different matter
Governments must find solutions at the highest level to stop people from migrating and invading other countries with hundred of thousands
yes, absolutely yes.
yes, absolutely yes.
Yes, obviously!
First, one learns the language in order to communicate clearly and integrate himself/herself in a country.
Then, one moves… and will pass any numeracy or literacy test… and will integrate himself/herself quite easily.
(unless one faces deliberate discrimination from anti-European nationalists)
I don’t dislike a certain degree of “healthy nationalism”, but I’m also “pro-European identity”.
Yes, obviously!
First, one learns the language in order to communicate clearly and integrate himself/herself in a country.
Then, one moves… and will pass any numeracy or literacy test… and will integrate himself/herself quite easily.
(unless one faces deliberate discrimination from anti-European nationalists)
I don’t dislike a certain degree of “healthy nationalism”, but I’m also “pro-European identity”.
No!!!
No!!!
Additionally:
“Free movement of people” should happen under some degree of control, between European countries.
And the Schengen agreement was one of the worst mistakes ever… examples of abuse from non-Europeans coming into Europe are too many, and make me feel ashamed of my beloved country, often used as a “bridge country”, an “easy gateway” to get inside Europe. Not good.
:-(
Additionally:
“Free movement of people” should happen under some degree of control, between European countries.
And the Schengen agreement was one of the worst mistakes ever… examples of abuse from non-Europeans coming into Europe are too many, and make me feel ashamed of my beloved country, often used as a “bridge country”, an “easy gateway” to get inside Europe. Not good.
:-(
good idea is the greation of a european new language lets said the esperanto where the people are more eazy to learn,and make it the official e.u language.
good idea is the greation of a european new language lets said the esperanto where the people are more eazy to learn,and make it the official e.u language.
.
End Schengen = probelm solved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbTSdUdQeLY
Excuse me for commenting, but I think you are off topic. The discussion is about whether or not the EU citizens should take a language test. No one talks about a problem here or ways to prevent the free movement of EU citizens.
.
The EU elite have no interest in what the peoples of Europe & Great Britain want and will attempt to force their crazed ideology through anyway..
Then they wonder why we are leaving.
http://www.euractiv.com/sections/justice-home-affairs/many-eu-countries-say-no-immigration-quotas-315184
No. Europe should evolve and have a common working language. Let’s say English. The national or regional languages would be alive and well but with no obligation. In a matter of a few generations it would be better for Europe. We could bring about a more functional and fair union. We would bring down so many barriers.
European Union has 24 official languages, as long as you can speak anyone of these languages you should not be obligated to learn another. However learning the language of the country you live in makes your staying much more easier, safer and fun and for this reason the EU should fund countries to create schools for that purpose, but in no way should be considered an obligation.
No
EU should take the American example of how immigrants in the long run embrace the american flag and integrate into the culture with respect and if not so then you simply do not become citizen, in any case you don’t acquire US citizenship first. You get a green card. If you have been a respectful emigrant and desire US citizenship you will need to prove yourself first. And no question on granting the right to vote until you are a citizen. In EU
Absolutely not, English should be more than enough. And an EU citizen moving from one EU country to the other is not a migrant. He’s a citizen moving from one part of the Union to the other. Like someone from New York moving to Arizona
European Union has 24 official languages, as long as you can speak anyone of these languages you should not be obligated to learn another. However learning the language of the country you live in makes your staying much more easier, safer and fun and for this reason the EU should fund countries to create schools for that purpose, but in no way should be considered an obligation.
.
Some more ‘European’ migrants are on their way to you, hope you have enough beds for them all.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/08/15/uk-europe-migrants-greece-idUKKCN0QK0EO20150815
Brits in spain dont spanish..
The people running right now haven’t really had the time or the energy to learn an entire second language while running from catastrophy. Now isn’t the fucking time.
Would such a rule apply to working migrants only or also people settling outside their home country upon retiring? Would you be able to circumvent said rule by paying a certain fee? Would the rule apply retroactively?
Mr Burrows, if they will leave which I doubt they will change idea when they will see the British begging to be admitted in again
These immigrants are eager to deliver them are comospolitcs they grant to European culture as a political Heritage they endeossar freedom of company stability and the rule of law this narrative that has just come to live subsidies is totally absurd we spend our culture the our value system our One problem is the size of emigration but can be manipulated if we want to act more appropriately we need trade profissionals fields with concepts schools and apprenticeship programs should to and act the declare this problem as illegal and hope this fas them leave and I´m not even sure that the will to intregate these people will translate into benefit all depends on our political will Europe does not become more Europe is that the emigrant will become more European in their nation of origin
For me , no. I believe tat no language tests shoyld be required.
Before or after you drown them with your migration policies? Oh, i forgot. Only the ones you choose can come in. Think about using your own resources too, instead of exploiting African nations and it’s people to enrich a bunch of genocidal maniacs like the ones in the EU parlament.
LANGUAGE SHD BE MANDATORY PLS.
I had to, so I dont see why they everybody else should not! I did learn 9 EU languages…so yes I can move around from Portugal to Sweden…
Yes
Not any more than those who are born in the county
English is already the vehicular language in Europe. Aren’t we discussing in English? All companies in the EU should be encouraged to use English as working language if they are of a certain size.
No. If I am a rich businessman and want to live in any European country, who cares if I know the language? I can hire as many translators as I want. And having in mind the progress of technologies – who cares about languages, machine translators using sophisticated AI algorithms will be better than human translators in a few years!
:))) Ridiculous! Not all languages can be learned in schools … People can magage with different levels of language knowledge. It is up to the employers to make sure they get the right people.
Yes
Yes
Of course!
Yes
This is outrageous!!! It’s a sneaky suggestion to abolish the free movement of citizens! Why exactly, EU has been created?
What free movement of citizens, Nikolaos? Have you heard of Schengen?
Sama ova rasprava i njen uvod koji su na engleskom je već jedna vrsta diskriminacije nas koji se engleskim ne služimo ili ga nedovoljno dobro poznajemo. Uvođenje ovog testa biti će novi oblik diskriminacije jer će se tim pravilom štititi velike i ekonomski jake zemlje od neželjenih u pravilu manje obrazovanih useljenika. Istovremeno to pravilo neće priječiti da stanovnici bogatih zemalja koji dođu živjeti/umrijeti u toplije južne siromašnije krajeve iz pozicije moći krše ovo pravilo (mito/korupcija). U Hrvatskoj tako iako nacionalni zakoni nalažu da je službeni jezik Hrvatski, predsjednici uprava multinacionalnih kompanija i banaka se tog zakona ne pridržavaju.
I za kraj, ako već odlučite uvesti test kao obvezu, zašto ne biste sutra uvjetovali da u EU mogu samo liberalni ateisti, a da je nacionalistima pristup zabranjen?
Već sada je EU otok okružen brojnim ‘opkopima’ i drugim preprekama zbog kojih mu je gotovo nemoguće priči. Hrvatskoj je tako licemjerna EU članstvo uvjetovala izručenjem naših generala samo zato što smo se uspješno odbarnili od srpske agresije. Nakon što su naši genearli oslobođeni svih optužbi, licemjerna i diskriminatorska EU nam se nije ni izvinila.
Većina Hrvata je u tu tvorevinu koja nas sve više podsjeća na tamnicu naroda Yugoslaviju, uvućena na prevaru i što dalje narodu je sve jasnije da se niste sposobni nositi s problemima u koje ste nas sve zajedno uvalili.
Well, for certain jobs, certainly.
Cum poate o persoană care nu vorbesc limba de noua lui țară, ce ar face dacă ar exista un incendiu în casa lui, el numește numărul de telefon de urgență, și nu poate comunica cu operatorul pentru simplul fapt că el nu vorbește limba.
Vă mutați în Italia, să învețe italiană, vă mutați în Franța, să învețe limba franceză, vă mutați în Germania, să învețe limba germană, vă mutați în România, să învețe limba română. Vă mutați în UE învăța limba maternă a țării la și engleză.
How can a person not speak the language of his new country, what would do if there was a fire in his house, he calls the emergency telephone number, and cannot communicate with the operator for the simple fact that he does not speak the language.
You move to Italy, learn Italian, you move to France, learn French, you move to Germany, learn German, you move to Romania, learn Romanian. You move to the EU learn the native language of the country your moving to and English.
Yes sure, this will curb the ‘social benefits tourism’ which UK & Germany are worried about.
Yes ,especially babies.Shame!
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Why should they ?, they build their own communities with Nations and create their own societies so have no need of your law, your culture or your language.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/17/angela-merkel-german-multiculturalism-failed
Yes, and who doesn’t pass sent them back. And everyone committing a crime go back and never return. There is a difference between gypsies and Bulgarians. Learn the difference.
Of course.does EU wants arabic becomes official language in europe..all your questions are so naive…
A Europa está cada vez mais racista. Por essa ordem de ideias, muitos britanicos e alemães que vivem em Portugal estariam em péssimos lençois.
Because arabs have never been part of europe…never never and will never be. We dont ask machrek to speak english….
Look i luke arabs their culture their language at home..rhen i choose to visit them..but i dont like their agressive intolerant unpolite behaviour in europe which has been civilised by hundred years of christianity
Muslims arabs from magreb and machrek
Islam is the same threat to europe than nazism..is that clear enough for you ivan?
Schould Europeans be required to pass language test abroad? In China, Dubai…
As it is yes i would prefer no EU
Germany needs young workers but has not evaluated the social and cultural costs of this massive migration…
For all,
Definitely yes!
of course!!!
I would say yes (and I’m an EU immigrant in Switzerland)
Absolutely yes!!!!!😐😐
Yes i do
And i also know that christians arabs are persecuted….
Yes, it is the basis for communication with others. If anyone wants to be somewhere permanently they should be required to learn and know the language.
I say noooo… not even in wich country they are didn’t must know. Not even if they must work or respect the host or any laws. They must have no rules… because this is racism, right? Language? What is that, captain obvious?
yes it’s important to know the language of the country you want to leave! if important in order to merge and not allow anyone to take advantage of you
Of course not, every social worker working with tnem shoud speek as many as 100 languages, policemen too, doctors, lowyers etc. WTF.
People who come to live and work in a country must learn the language of that country and learn it well enough to be understood. I’m afraid that many doctors and nursing staff from overseas who work in my country are very difficult to understand because of strong accents (this can also apply to regional accents). The same is true of helplines – it can be terribly frustrating to speak to people who are incomprehensible, especially for old people. My sister lives in France and has learned to speak fluent French. It is the right thing to do.
YES!
english should be the base! I mean, look around, it’s everywhere…including this article and the comments
sure! As soon as all ‘expats’ from the US and UK pass their language tests for the native language of the country they chose to live in.
Of course…how else to understand these goat fuckers!
I think they should be required to leave the EU…back home, they could apply for refugee status…or go to the nearest safe place, which is not Sweden (for instance).
Language and social-psychological tests. How to live with people behaving like this? Europeans have no idea how fast this kind of behaviors spreads, escalates and takes over a country terrorizing everyone:
Stealing and attacking french people in a bus:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=910593672347267
To all euroudiots….close the borders….and you won’t need to pose such a stupid question
Should europeans be asked if they want migrants? I can say YES!
https://www.facebook.com/1050560068303609/videos/1315047315188215/
Yes definitely. One shouldn’t be allowed to live in a Country without speaking the local language plus English. Courses should be mandatory for newcomers and a proof of proficiency should be a precondition for applying for residence and / or citizenship.
It is not the correct question. The correct question is: Should violent religions allowed in Europe?
a religion is as violent as you make it yourself…
Yes they should be required. But before that we have to give them some education. You can’t test somebody without educating them first.
Giving them time to learn it…but most are happy in their own guetto and don’t make any effort. These should be given a time and, if not, out.
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No, definitely not When Turkey becomes a member of the EU all Arabic languages will become EU languages so would be anti European to make them learn another language..
Other EU countries will obviously be made to learn their languages though.
No one yet has voted in Britain. We may not be in the EU and so it will not be our problem.
Yes! That is a must.
They should take the test. They succeed and they go on to the next integration task, perhaps helping others learn the language?. They fail and show motivation to learn, they go and study. If they don’t show the will to learn and integrate – deport ban or I don’t know. Guess you could try to motivate them.
Well if they are better tell all the brits around the world. .lol