The provisional closure of Chapter 2 represents a step forward, but it still requires consistent implementation of reforms and planned projects under the close supervision of the European Commission (EC), until the full ratification of the accession treaty, said Croatian labour market expert Ivana Ružman.
“This chapter is crucial for citizens because it directly affects their ability to find employment in the EU, which is why the implementation of legislation in this area is important,” Ružman told the Mina-business agency.
Tomorrow, at the Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg, Montenegro is expected to close two more EU negotiating chapters, related to the freedom of movement for workers and consumer and health protection.
Ružman said that the provisional closure of Chapter 2 – Freedom of Movement for Workers represents a major achievement, as it means that the candidate country has achieved a sufficient level of alignment of its national legislation with the EU acquis in this area, and that the EC is satisfied with the progress made.
“This confirms that the country is ready to implement fundamental workers’ rights within the EU single market, including equal treatment in employment, wages, and social rights,” Ružman explained.
According to her, Croatia provisionally closed Chapter 2 after a little more than a year of negotiations, meaning that it met the closing benchmarks, which were similar to those set for Montenegro.
“After that, the monitoring phase followed, during which the EC continued to monitor whether the country was fulfilling the obligations undertaken during the negotiations. Then came the provisional closure of the remaining chapters and the final conclusion of the negotiations,” Ružman specified.
She recalled that Croatian citizens voted by a large majority in favour of joining the EU in the 2012 referendum, ahead of Croatia’s accession on 1 July 2013, which meant they recognized the political, economic, and social importance of integration.
Ružman also stated that the biggest misconception regarding the freedom of movement for workers was the belief that, on the day of accession, Croatian workers would be able to freely move and work in any EU country without any permits.
“In fact, 13 Member States introduced transitional periods for Croatian workers, meaning that work permits were still required for employment in those countries,” Ružman explained.
Croatia then exercised its right to introduce reciprocal measures towards those countries, meaning that their citizens also needed work permits to work in Croatia.
“I would tell the citizens of Montenegro to remain optimistic, because all final information is not yet known,” Ružman said.
She noted that, regardless of the EU accession process, Croatia had always had several countries to which its workers moved in larger numbers.
“Following EU accession, that number increased, but the mobility of Croatian workers after accession was small compared to the size of the population and workforce of the receiving countries and the EU population as a whole, although it was significant from Croatia’s perspective,” Ružman said.
According to her, the benefits ultimately outweighed the challenges, as accession provided citizens with greater opportunities and a wider choice of employment, better security and support in finding work, equal rights and protection for all, as well as the transfer of knowledge and skills.
“EU membership brings the right to work, live, and be treated equally throughout Europe. All employment and pension rights remain protected wherever you work in the EU,” Ružman stated.
She added that membership, among other things, brings the right to work in the EU, with possible transitional periods, employment without discrimination based on nationality, the right to live and work in another EU country, easier employment and recognition of qualifications, equal working conditions, and the right to relocate with one’s family.
Ružman also recalled that the circumstances surrounding Croatia’s accession to the EU were significantly more difficult than they are today.
“At that time, Croatia was still feeling the consequences of the global financial crisis of 2008, and the economy was in recession shortly before joining the EU,” Ružman said.
She expressed confidence that the circumstances of Montenegro’s accession to the EU will be much more favourable.
Source: mina.news