Brussels, 28/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - On 24 November, the Council of the EU adopted its position on the directive introducing a single permit for residing and working in the EU for third country nationals, according to a Council press release. The EP will now have to officially approve the text in its plenary session in order for the permit to enter into force. The two parties had already reached an agreement on a compromise last June and October but the final pending question involving correspondence tables also had to be lifted.
The Council points out that this new directive intends to facilitate applications for third country nationals (remaining in the EU for over three months) through a one-stop shop to live and work in the EU. It will also consolidate their social rights and put them on an equal footing with European citizens, particularly in the areas of working conditions, wages, access to training or pension rights (member states can, nevertheless, introduce a number of limited restrictions in the field of social security). (SP/transl.fl)