Denmark, Greece Lift Labor Restrictions For Romanians, Bulgarians

Denmark and Greece have lifted the labor restrictions for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens, but many member states of the European Union will maintain them for another three years, EUObserver reported.

Greece was the last of the "senior" European Union member states to lift labor restrictions for Romanians and Bulgarians, after Spain and Denmark did the same in December.

"The Greek Government reached this decision after assessing all parameters. This measure will lead to a significant drop on the black market," secretary general with the Hellenic Labor Ministry said, cited by BGNES agency.

Spain issued a statement saying "the moratorium (imposed to Romanians and Bulgarians) was unjust and useless".

On the other hand, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Belgium announced in the past weeks they will not lift these restrictions in the following three years, citing the economic crisis as main reason.

Mediafax