Don’t fear Bulgarians and Romanians
As long as Bulgaria can get a hold of its crime problems it looks like both Bulgaria and Romania will be joining the EU club next year. I believe this is good news for the EU, but that’s because I don’t believe that there should be any limits to the EU. Why not include Turkey, Serbia, hell, even Russia if she wants to join.
It seems that once again the issue of migration is a big concern. When the EU expanded to include 10 new members in 2004, only Sweden, Ireland and the UK allowed the free movement of workers. This has greatly benefited our country and the economy. By being one of only a few countries we were able to attract some of the best workers.
But there is a fear that the UK won’t be as accommodating when Romania and Bulgaria join. MigrantWatch says 300,000 people will come flocking to the UK, IPPR says 56,000. Who’s right?
Well I think that IPPR’s analysis is correct although their figures probably a little low.
The IPPR have pointed out that the UK isn’t high on the list of new places to leave for Bulgarians and Romanians. Most want to live in the mediterranean. Also other member states are more likely to open their borders this time. However I do believe more that 56,000 will turn up. But those that do will be of great benefit to this country. Don’t give in to the short sightedness promoted by the Daily Mail and others. Let us all benefit fully from an expanded EU.
July 24th, 2006 at 8:18 pm
[...] I’ve already mentioned my support for enlargement of the EU and I standby that view. And i’m still not convinced by the argument that hundreds of thousands of Romanians and Bulgarians will pack up their belongings and head to the UK on the 1st January. For one thing its cold here, and most of their cousins live in warmer climates. [...]
August 20th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
[...] As i have pointed out here and here, we’re unlikely to swamped with new arrivals. [...]
October 24th, 2006 at 9:45 pm
[...] Britain can not benefit from the advantages they bring. [...]