EU Commission asks BELGIUM and SPAIN to comply with EU rules on recognition of professional qualifications

Today the Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Belgium and Spain for non-compliance of their national legislation and practice with the Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications (2005/36/EC).

The EU rules facilitate recognition of professional qualifications in EU countries, making it easier for professionals to provide their services around Europe, whilst guaranteeing a high level of protection for consumers and citizens.

The reasoned opinion to Belgium concerns, among others, a number of issues related to non-compliance with EU rules on free provision of services (e.g. for detectives and special security services), freedom of establishment (e.g. for driving instructors established in other Member States), recognition of professional qualifications on the basis of harmonised minimum training requirements and recognition of professional traineeships.

The reasoned opinion to Spain concerns non-compliance with EU rules on freedom of establishment, procedure for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications and rules on knowledge of languages.

Additionally, several issues of non-compliance with the EU rules were identified in relation to the profession of sworn translator/interpreter.

Belgium and Spain have now one month to respond to the arguments put forward by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer Belgium and Spain to the Court of Justice of the EU.

Sonya Gospodinova