Moving within the EU to get easier

It will be easier for citizens to set up home in other EU countries after the Competitiveness council reached a political agreement on a Directive to ease restrictions on residency rights.

For the first time, EU citizens and their family members will have the right of permanent residence if they have lived in any member state for five years or more. This will include students studying abroad on long courses.

The red tape surrounding residence is also to be cut. Citizens will no l...