Rules for non-EU nationals coming to the EU for studies and research

Following a proposal from the European Commission last year (for a directive of the European Parliament and Council), members of the European Parliament last month backed “draft”  rules aimed at improving entry and living conditions for non-EU students and researchers. MEP and rapporteur Cecilia Wikström (ALDE, SE) said there was a need for “simplified, clearer rules to make the EU more attractive”. “More foreign students and international exchanges would boost economic growth, promote innovation, create more jobs in the long term and make our member states more competitive," she added. More details on the proposed rule changes are available on the EP website. The EP said the draft legislation would now be handed over to the next European Parliament which could either “build on work done” or “decide to start afresh”. Legislation would need to be agreed upon by both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU before coming into effect.