The Several Internal Markets

Extract

I. Introduction

[F]ree movement of people is one of the four essential freedoms. These four freedoms are indivisible. This is how our Single Market works. And let me be clear: the integrity of the Single Market will never be compromised in these negotiations. (Michel Barnier)¹

‘In a colourful interview with the Czech daily Hospodářské noviny Mr Johnson [was quoted] as using the word “bollocks” in reference to the idea of the free movement of people being a founding principle of the EU. To many EU officials the union’s four freedoms—goods, services, capital and the free movement of people—are essential to membership. But in the interview, Mr Johnson, added: “It’s a total myth—nonsense. It is stupid to say that freedom of movement is a fundamental right. It’s something that has been acquired by a series of decisions by the courts. And everyone now has in his head that every human being has a fundamental, God-given right to go and move wherever he wants. But it is not. It was never a founding principle of the European Union. It’s a complete myth. Total myth”.’ (Boris Johnson)²