France to open its job market to eight more EU member states

France will open its job market to eight central and east European EU members who joined the alliance in 2004, including the Czech Republic. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner made the announcement in Prague on Tuesday, saying that the move should take place during France’s EU presidency in the second half of 2008. A work permit for citizens from these countries will still be required. Paris originally planned to open its job market to citizens from central and eastern Europe in May 2009.