Movement restriction questioned
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ANKARA - Statements made by European Union Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn suggesting permanent restrictions on the free movement of workers from Turkey have drawn reaction from the Economic Development Foundation, or İKV, an organization that represents the business world.
Professor Haluk Kabaalioğlu, the president of İKV, said he believed Rehn made such remarks to ease the European public's fears about serious disturbances in the labor market once Turkey became member of the bloc.
"Permanent restrictions are against the spirit of the EU," Kabaalioğlu told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.
In a recent interview published in the Turkish press, Rehn said interim or permanent barriers could be placed on the free movement of workers from Turkey if the country joins the EU, sparking questions as to whether his statement was reflective of the true attitude of the bloc.
Movement restriction not unreasonable
"That is unacceptable if he really meant it. An EU accession that excludes the free movement of persons or services will be missing and unfair," said Kabaalioğlu.
He said the delay of freedom of movement rights could be considered reasonable for a temporary period, citing EU member states Portugal and Spain which both experienced similar restrictions, as well as other countries that joined the EU in 2004 and 2007.
"But permanent restrictions are compatible with a formula excluding full membership. This formula is a privileged partnership opposed by the Turkish government," Kabaalioğlu said.
In a written statement released early this week, İKV said Turkish citizens were already suffering from the dragging visa procedures for entry to EU countries, calling for the removal of the visa regime for businessmen, students and academics.