Recast of Directive 2003/109/EC: Status of third-country nationals who are long term residents in the EU [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Anita Orav (1st edition).

Directive 2003/109/EC sets out the rights of third-country nationals who are long-term residents in the EU, the areas in which they can be granted equal treatment with EU citizens, and the conditions for moving to another EU Member State. It aims to facilitate the attainment of the EU internal market and the integration of migrants in host societies.

As assessed in implementation reports, the EU long-term resident status is currently under-used, and third-country nationals lack information about the status and the rights attached to it. There is also competition between the EU and national permits.

To address these shortcomings, the European Commission on 27 April 2022 presented a proposal to recast the Directive 2003/109/EC, as part of its legal migration policy reform. The European Parliament and the Council have each adopted their negotiating mandates and have entered into interinstitutional negotiations.

Versions

• January 2024: ‘Recast of Directive 2003/109/EC: Status of third-country nationals who are long term residents in the EU‘ (1st edition)