OVER HALF of European citizens value the ability to travel and work in other member states above other benefits usually associated with EU membership, a study has found.
The Eurofound survey indicates that 53 per cent of citizens put "freedom of travel and work in the EU" first when asked what the EU represented to them, well ahead of the introduction of the euro and safeguarding peace.
However, the survey also reveals that while most citizens are in favour of mobility, few actually take up the opportunity to live and work in other countries.
According to the Mobility in Europe report, 49 per cent of EU citizens think that mobility is a good thing for an individual, while 50 per cent think there are advantages for the economy. However just 4 per cent of workers have seized the opportunity and moved to another country in the EU after leaving their parental home.
Fear of losing contact with family and friends is cited by 44 per cent of EU citizens as a risk associated with moving abroad.
The challenge of having to learn a new language is also noted as a disincentive to cross-country mobility.
Only 31 per cent of the employed EU population said they would be ready to move even if faced with unemployment in the future.
The report finds migrants face a greater likelihood of unemployment than nationals, with certain groups - non-EU nationals, younger people and women - being especially disadvantaged.
