In 1973, due to that year's oil crisis and a resulting recession, Germany annulled the immigration treaties it had signed. However, by then the European Coal and Steel Community (later the European Economic Community), of which both Italy and Germany were members, had established freedom of movement for workers (beginning in 1968). As a result, Italians continued to be able to move to Germany for work with relative ease.
In 1973, Germany's immigration policies were altered due to economic factors, while the European Coal and Steel Community (later the European Economic Community) had already established freedom of movement for workers between member states. This allowed Italians to move to Germany for work with relative ease.