In this article my intention is to present some aspects of the phenomenon of temporary restrictions in relation to labour market access in the EU-15 countries as discussed in the Czech Republic (CR). This text is influenced by my reactions to the articles relating to political discourses on the same issue in Sweden and Austria included in this volume.
The article begins by presenting some of the facts about the restrictions in the individual countries of the EU-15 together with data concerning Czech emigration. This is followed by a brief outline of the official attitude of the Czech establishment in relation to the issue and to similar problems encountered in relation to the opening of the Czech labour market to Third Country Nationals (TCN).
By way of conclusion I then deal with the question of how some aspects of this issue affected the perception of the EU and the position of the CR in it.