Michael Romberg said in his October 16 letter that freedom of movement helps UK citizens. Many people fear unlimited migration, but they forget Article 7 of Directive 2004/38. This rule lets countries require jobs or money from EU residents. The UK never used this power while it was a member.
In his letter published on October 16, Michael Romberg correctly states that freedom of movement would benefit UK citizens wishing to live and work in the EU.
As regards EU citizens wishing to become resident in the UK, the fear is often expressed that the freedom of movement is unconditional and that there is no limit to the numbers that might come over.
This fear arises because no one in the UK seems to have heard of Article 7 of Directive 2004/38, though it was often referenced when David Cameron was trying to negotiate his "emergency brake" in the run-up to Brexit.
The directive provides that an EU citizen wishing to stay in a host member state for more than three months must show that he or she has a job, or independent financial means and health cover.
If the UK rejoined the EU it would be perfectly entitled to make use of this provision, which it never did during the time it was an EU member state.