Article 1 The provisions of this Directive shall apply to any national of a Member State who resides in or travels to another Member State of the Community, either in order to pursue an activity as an employed or self-employed person, or as a recipient of services. These provisions shall apply also to the spouse and to members of the family who come within the 1 OJ No 57, 26.8.1961, p. 1073/61. 2 OJ No 80, 13.12.1961, p. 1513/61. 3 OJ No 2, 15.1.1962, pp. 32/62 and 36/62. 4 OJ No 56, 4.4.1964, p. 845/64. 5 OJ No 134, 14.12.1962, p. 2861/62. 6 OJ No 56, 4.4.1964, p. 856/64. provisions of the regulations and directives adopted in this field in pursuance of the Treaty.
There is no reason why "petty offenses" should follow you all your life.
There are a couple of other pieces of legislation that I could use, such for student permits. Also, the other main themes to other pieces of legislation are "fairness" and "human dignity." I saw proposed legislation out there that would be useful upon refusal due to criminal record. An appeal to a national court upon refusal could also bring up human rights and an explanation as to why disorderly conduct and vandalism in 1987 outweighs all the other good things I've done in my life. Upon ANY refusal based only on criminal record (which any refusal would have to be based on) I do intend on writing the Commission, among other things...
Still, I will continue to look for work and school opportunities in the European Union despite my "record."
Also, given that penology in Europe tends toward rehabilitation and reintergration of offenders, these types of policies in the area of visas and immigration simply don't fit which European values and ideas about criminal rehabilitation.
