Freedom of movement: elimination of controls on persons crossing internal frontiers

The Committee points out that the reference to "persons" marks a significant development. The earliest provisions on this matter related to the free movement of persons playing an economic role, and were clearly directed at employees and people providing services; the term "persons" was originally used only in an economic sense, but has gradually taken on a much wider meaning that ties in with the concept of citizenship. The concept has been extended as a result of intense regulatory and case-law activity. The Commission itself has stated that the term "free movement of persons" refers to all persons, whether or not they are economically active and irrespective of nationality. Lastly, the Committee stresses the fundamental importance of the accompanying measures, and views these as vital for the implementation of the Directive. It therefore recommends that the Directive enter into force three months after the Council has verified that the prerequisites for its satisfactory implementation are in place.�