Synen på arbetskraftens fria rörlighet - hot elle tillgång? – en diskursanalys av Sveriges och EU-kommissionens tal om arbetskraftens fria rörlighet före och efter Europeiska Unionens östutvidgning 2004

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to study perceptions around the freedom of movement of workers within the EU before and after its enlargement in 2004, both on a Swedish and a European level. I have chosen to conduct my study using a discourse analysis as a structure for my theory and method. Theories based on previous research have also been used. My material consists of Communications from the European Commission, Swedish Command Papers as well as a research report. One of the main findings is that at a Swedish level, there is concern about how the free movement of workers will affect the labour market and welfare system. There is also an “unserious” movement that is connected with unwanted consequences. At a European level, the main focus of the freedom of movement of workers is the full use of the internal market. Free movement for workers is mostly connected to economical growth.