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The purpose of this study for the European Commission (DG Justice and Consumers) is to support the preparation of an impact assessment of European Union (EU) policy initiatives on residence and identity documents to facilitate the exercise of the right to free movement.

The rights of European Union (EU) citizens to free movement are legally protected by the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and by Directive 2004/38/EC. In practice, however, EU citizens and administrative authorities are encountering problems when exercising their right to free movement. The variety of identity cards, license plates and residence documents used in EU member states and the differences in their characteristics (i.e. information required, appearance, security standards, etc.) can cause problems for both citizens and administrative authorities. The fact that not all member states issue ID cards and residence documents further complicates the picture.