EP criticise calls for restriction of movements of citisens

The European Parliament (EP) Thursday strongly criticised the position of some European leaders who are calling for restrictions to the freedom of movement of citizens in Europe.In a resolution, the EP calls on EU countries to refrain from any actions that could affect the right of free movement and reject any proposal to cap numbers of EU migrants as that is contrary to the principle of the free movement of people.Parliament notes that with the approach of the European elections in May, the free movement of EU citizens has become a campaign issue for some political parties and there is a risk that this debate could lead to a rise in racism and xenophobia in Europe.The issue flared up after restrictions to the free movement of workers from Bulgaria and Romania expired on 1 January and some countries like the UK expressed concern over influx of cheap labour from these two countries.