Court clarifies civic integration obligation

Directive 2003/109/EC on the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents does not preclude a member state from imposing the obligation to pass a civic integration examination, provided the means of implementing such an obligation are not liable to jeopardise achievement of the directive's objectives. The court held that the means must have regard in particular to the level of knowledge required to pass the exam, the accessibility of courses and material necessary to prepare for the exam, the…