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Home > European Union
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EUROPEAN UNION
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EUROPEAN UNION
This leaflet gives general information on the European Union (EU).
Member States
The EU is made up of 27 member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Greece, Republic of Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United Kingdom (UK).
Three additional countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are part of the European Economic Area (EEA).
Right of Entry
A UK national has the right to enter and stay in another member state for up to three months without formalities. You then need to obtain a residence permit. To be granted this you will need to prove that you can support yourself e.g. be in receipt of a grant, earn a salary, are self-employed or have sufficient funds in your bank account.
A UK national working in another EU member state has the same rights as a national of that country with regard to pay, working conditions, health and social services. Some benefits are only available once tax and social security contributions have been paid in the host country. Your family is entitled to join you and have similar rights.
A UK national is also able to work in the three countries which are members of the EEA.
Freedom of Study
A UK national has the right to study in any of the countries of the EU and EEA.
There are two major difficulties. The first is that the course will be in the language of the country. Most universities will insist on a language test being undertaken. The second is that of finance.
Transferring Qualifications and SkillsA problem which may be faced by people wanting to work in another EU country is acceptance of their skills and qualifications. Each EU member state retains its own system of education and training, and there can be difficulties in comparing qualifications gained in different member states. However, the European Qualifications framework (EQF) aims to facilitate the recognition of qualifications across borders. The EQF will integrate higher education and vocational and educational training, thereby making qualifications more transparent and understandable. It is hoped the benefits of the EQF will become apparent once it fully implemented. The increased mobility of learners and professionals will only become evident by 2012. Currently there are three different ways in which people can gain recognition of their qualifications and skills in different EU member states. They are:
Sectoral Directives
These cover doctors, dentists, pharmacists, midwives, nurses responsible for general care, veterinary surgeons and architects. In principle, these people are automatically qualified to work in other EU and EEA member states. In practice, however, it is still worth obtaining further information on particular qualifications, as specializations are not necessarily recognized.
General System Directives
These cover most other regulated occupations, professions and titles. The General System is based on the premise that someone who is qualified in one member state should be treated as qualified in another, without having to requalify.
Very simply, the general system covers professions requiring at least three years university education (or equivalent) and qualifications requiring post-secondary education/training. To have qualifications recognized under the General System, you need to apply to the appropriate authority in the country in which you want to work. Further information is available in the DfEE/DTI booklet, Europe Open for Professions.
However, there are still some difficulties, for instance where professional activities are structured differently. This applies particularly to professions supplementary to medicine, such as physiotherapy and radiography.
Certificates of Experience
These cover self-employed craft or trades people, such as construction workers or hairdressers. In some EU states (e.g. Germany) they need to hold a particular vocational qualification. However, a set period of relevant experience in the UK is acceptable, provided the individual has a Certificate of Experience. Further details are available from the Certification Unit at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) see address at end.
Looking For Work in the EU
Throughout the European Economic Area vacancies and information on living and working conditions are exchanged through the EURES (European Employment Services) network. A selection of Vacancies are displayed in all Jobcentres/Jobs & Benefits Offices but the complete database of vacancies is available on the Eures website www.eures.europa.eu
There are over 600 Eures advisers across Europe. They provide job seekers with information, advice and help with finding work in another EU country. An appointment can be made with the Eures adviser based in Belfast by telephoning: 028 90252270/90252225.
You can access all the EURES network including the job vacancy database via the internet. The EURES homepage address is www.eures.europa.eu Other ways of finding a job in Europe include:
UK newspapers particularly the broadsheets, i.e. The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Times, The Guardian
UK trade journals and magazines, relevant to your specialist area of work
european newspapers the main ones are available at large newsagents
placing a "Situation Wanted" newspaper advertisement in the country of your choice
speculative applications to potential employers
through professional contacts (professional institutes and associations may be of help).
Language
Language is likely to be the main barrier to living and working in another part of Europe. Many jobs will require at least some knowledge of the local language.
In any case, even if the local language is not essential for your job, it still makes daily life in another European country much easier to cope with. You should also remember that the way of life, customs, educational methods and standards in other countries can be very different to those at home.
Before you accept work abroad check:
you have a UK/EU passport
the contract/terms and conditions of employment
the method and frequency of payment of any salary
what travel arrangements need to be made and whether they should be paid by you or the employer
the average cost of accommodation in the area you will be moving to
you have the E111 medical expenses cover or have taken out some private health insurance
whether your pension will be affected.
Cross-Border PartnershipThe EURES Cross-border Partnership has been established to make things easier for those who wish to commute daily or weekly across the border in order to earn a living. The Partnership covers all of Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic “ Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim. For information about cross-border working or recruitment or about the Partnership itself contact the Eures advisers “ see addresses at end.
The European Commission
The Commission initiates community policies and proposes community legislation. It also acts as the community's executive body, ensuring agreed policies are implemented and provisions of European treaties are observed.
The European Commission Representation in Northern Ireland deals with administration procedures locally. When open competitions are advertised, the Official Journal giving details of vacancies can be obtained from Windsor House, free of charge address at end. It is not possible to apply speculatively.
Application forms are returned by the applicant to Brussels Windsor House plays no part in the selection procedure. It is important to note the following:
- The Representation does not hold lists of vacancies in EU countries and only occasionally for certain institutions.
Further Information
"Eurofacts" sheets - available for reference in all Jobcentres/Jobs and Benefits Offices, Careers Offices or from Careers Europe - see below.
"The Directory of Jobs and Careers Abroad" published by Vacation Work, 9 Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1HJ. Tel: 01865 241978. Website: www.vacationwork.co.uk
The Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges, 1 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DJ. Tel: 028 90664418/9.
Useful AddressesEuropean Commission Representation in Northern Ireland, Windsor House, 9-15 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7EG. Tel: 01232 240708.Gateway to the European Union Website: www.eures.europa.euBelfast Unemployed Resource Centre, 45-47 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2FG.
Tel: 028 90961111 Fax 028 9061110.
Email: info@burc.org Website: www.burc.org
Careers Europe, Onward House, Baptist Place, Bradford BD1 2PS.
Tel: 01274 829600.
Website: www.careerseurope.co.uk
Email: Europe@careersb.co.uk
Embassies of other Member States in the UK
Austria (Austrian) Embassy
18 Belgrave Mews, London, SW1X 8HU
Tel: 020 72 353731
Fax: 020 73 440292
Web: www.austria.embassyhomepage.com
Belgium Embassy
103 - 105 Eaton Square, London, SW1W 9AB
Tel: 020 74 703700
Fax: 020 74 703795
Web: www.belgium.embassyhomepage.com
Bulgarian Embassy
186 – 188 Queen’s Gate
London SW7 5HL
Tel: 020 75 849400
Fax: 020 75 844948
Web: www.bulgarianembassy-london.orgCyprus Embassy
13. St James Square
London
SW1Y 4LB
Tel: 020 7321 4100
Web: www.cyphclondon@dial.pipex.comDenmark Embassy
55 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9SR
Tel: 020 73 330200
Fax: 020 73 330270
Web: www.denmark.embassyhomepage.com
Finland Embassy
38 Chesham Place, London, SW1X 8HW
Tel: 020 78 386200
Fax: 020 72 353680
Web: www.finland.embassyhomepage.com
Greece Embassy
1A Holland Park, London, W11 3TP
Tel: 020 72 293850
Fax: 020 72 297221
Web: www.greekembassy.org.uk
Embassy of the Republic of Estonia
16 Hyde Park Gate
London
Tel: 020 7589 3428
Fax: 020 7589 3430
Web: www.estonia.gov.ukemail: embassy.london@estonia.gov.uk
France Embassy
58 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7JL
Tel: 0870 005 6717
Fax: 020 70 731004
Web: www.france.embassyhomepage.com
Germany Embassy
23 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PZ
Tel: 020 78 241300
Web: www.german-embassy.org.uk
Ireland Embassy
17 Grosvenor Place, London, SW1X 7HR
Tel: 0870 005 6725
Fax: 020 72 456961
Web: www.ireland.embassyhomepage.com
Italy Embassy
14 Three Kings Yard, Davies Street, London, W1Y 2EH
Tel: 0870 005 6950
Fax: 020 73 122230
Web: www.italy.embassyhomepage.com
Luxembourg Embassy
27 Wilton Crescent, London, SW1X 8SD
Tel: 020 72 356961
Web: www.luxembourg-embassy.org.uk
Netherlands Embassy
38 Hyde Park Gate, London, SW7 5DP
Tel: 0870 005 6961
Fax: 020 72 250947
Web: www.netherlands-embassy.org.uk
Spain Embassy
39 Chesham Place, London, SW1X 8SB
Tel: 020 72 355555
Fax: 020 72 359905
Web: www.spain.embassyhomepage.com
Portugal Embassy
11 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PP
Tel: 0870 005 6970
Fax: 020 72 451287
Web: www.portugal.embassyhomepage.com
Sweden Embassy
11 Montagu Place, London, W1H 2AL
Tel: 020 79 176400
Fax: 020 77 244174
Web: www.swedish.embassyhomepage.com
United Kingdom Embassy
29 Merrion Road, Dublin 4
Tel: 00 353 1 2053700
Fax: 00 353 1 2053893
Web: www.britishembassy.ie
Cyprus Embassy
93 Park Street, London, W1K 7ET
Tel: 0870 005 6711
Fax: 020 74 910691
Web: www.cyprus.embassyhomepage.com
Czech Republic Embassy
26 Kensington Palace Gardens, London, W8 4QY
Tel: 0870 005 6712
Fax: 020 77 279654
Web: www.czechembassy.org.uk
Estonia Embassy
16 Hyde Park Gate, London, SW7 5DG
Tel: 020 75 893428
Fax: 020 75 893430
Web: www.estonia.gov.uk
Hungary Embassy
35 Eaton Place, London, SW1X 8BY
Tel: 020 72 355218
Fax: 020 78 231348
Web: www.hungary.embassyhomepage.com
Latvia Embassy
45 Nottingham Place, London, W1U 5LY
Tel: 020 73 120040
Fax: 020 73 120042
Web: www.latvia.embassyhomepage.com
Lithuania Embassy
84 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 6AU
Tel: 020 74 866401
Fax: 020 74 86403
Web: www.lithunia.embassyhomepage.com
Malta Embassy
Malta House, 36 - 38 Piccadilly, London, W1V 0PQ
Tel: 0870 005 6958
Fax: 020 77 341831
Web: www.malta.embassyhomepage.com
Poland Embassy
47 Portland Place, London, W1N 3AG
Tel: 0870 774 2700
Fax: 020 72 913575
Web: www.poland.embassyhomepage.com
Embassy of Romania
4 Palace Green, London, W8 4QD
Tel: 020 79379666
Fax: 020 79378069
e. roemb@roemb.co.uk Web: www.romania.embassyhomepage.com
Slovenia Embassy
10 Little College Street, London, SW1P 3SJ
Tel: 020 72 225420
Fax: 020 72 225277
Web: www.slovenia.embassyhomepage.com
Slovakia Embassy
25 Kensington Place Gardens, London, W8 4QY
Tel: 020 73 136470
Fax: 020 73 136481Web: www.slovakembassy.co.uk
Republic Republic of Ireland (Border Counties) Euresadvisers
Ms. Bernadette Smyth, FAS Placement Services Office, 79 Park Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel: (00353) 42 32311. Fax: (00353) 42 36311.
Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Tel: (00353) 74 64120. Fax: (00353) 74 64111.
Mr. Tom Hannigan, FAS Training Centre, Ballyraine Industrial Estate, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Tel: (00353) 74 22200. Fax: (00353) 74 24840.
Ms. Mary Cullen, Enniskillen Jobs and Benefits Office, Crown Buildings, Queen Elizabeth Road, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT74 7JD. Tel: 028 66343291, Email: mary.cullen1@nissa.gsi.gov.ukMs. Carmel Farrell, Strabane Jobcentre, 23 Upper Main Street, Strabane, Co.Londonderry, BT82 8AS. Tel: 028 71384352.
Email: carmel.farrell@delni.gov.uk
Northern Ireland Eures advisers Ms. Anne-Marie Bingham, Ms Gail Irvine, Ms. Lisa Lindsay
Jobcentre, Gloucester House, Chichester Street, Belfast BT1 4RA.
Tel: 028 90252270. Fax: 028 90252288.
Email: eures.section@delni.gov.ukWebsite: www.eures.europa.euCrossborder Partnership Co-ordinator and Development Officer
Michael Carr
FAS
Ballyraine Industrial Estate
Letterkenny
Co.Donegal
Tel: +00353 (0) 74 9120500
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