Europe Quote by Roger Scruton
““The market-based legal order of the Brussels bureaucracy helped to fill the legal vacuum created by communism, and was warmly received on that account. But, because of the unwise provisions of the Treaty of Rome regarding freedom of movement, it has led to the mass emigration of the professional classes, and to the loss of the educated young from countries that stand desperately in need of them. The ‘enlargement’ agenda has therefore become controversial all across Europe, and I return to the controversy in what follows.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: European Policy Lecture, 2005
The EU's market‑based legal framework filled post‑communist gaps but treaty limits on movement caused brain drain, sparking EU‑wide controversy over enlargement.
In simple terms: EU law helped but also caused skilled workers to leave, creating debate.
Key Takeaway
Consider how policy design balances benefits and unintended migration.
Themes
policy
migration
EU enlargement
brain drain
economic impact
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
policy analysis
When to use this quote
- government reform
- regional integration
- talent retention
- education policy
Key Concepts
legal vacuum
market mechanisms
freedom of movement
professional emigration
Questions to Reflect On
- How can EU policies retain talent while fostering openness?
- What safeguards could mitigate brain drain?
A Different Perspective
Treaty restrictions may overlook local labor needs, worsening shortages.
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