ABSTRACT
Freedom of movement of workers was one of the key negotiating issues within the chapter on the free movement of persons. It was also one of the key problems (together with the agriculture and the sale of land) that raised major concerns from public opinion, which was indicated in a number of opinion polls. Even though freedom of movement of labour and sale of land to foreigners were closely linked and tied mainly by the EU to a larger package deal, their nature and dynamics remained quite different. Whilst the argument over the length of transitional periods for land sales was initiated by the Polish side, the problem of free movement of labour was generated by the EU side in particular. The question for the Polish government was how to sell a compromise to the general public. 1
