Why is Freedom of Movement in the EU Worth Preserving?

by Andrea Sangiovanni (King's College, European University Institute)

It is often said that freedom of movement is a non-negotiable part of European integration. But why and in what sense? Arguments pointing to the economic benefits of free movement, or to the smooth functioning of the Single Market, can only take us so far. What is lost, after all, if member states decide to trade in an economic benefit for more control over borders? In this paper, I argue that freedom of movement is a demand of solidarity among member states who have decided to tie their fates together via European institutions.