Poland notched up important progress today in its difficult negotiations to join the European Union when it accepted a deal on the politically sensitive issue of free movement of workers.
Under the deal, ex-communist candidate countries have to accept flexible restrictions of up to seven years on the movement of their workers into current EU member states after their accession. Up to 10 states are expected to join by 2004.
Movement of people is one of 31 chapters or policy areas where candidates must bring their domestic laws into line with those of the EU. Poland has now closed 20 chapters.
The EU imposed the restrictions on eastern workers under pressure from member states Germany and Austria, which fear a big influx of cheap labour from Poland, the Czech Republic and other candidates after accession.