Economisch en Sociaal Comité uit reserves over Dienstenrichtlijn (en)
Internal market in services: EESC draft opinion recommends transitional periods in application of country-of-origin principle
The EESC Plenary Session on 9-10 February will discuss the Committee's opinion on the services directive proposal from the Commission. A major public hearing on the issue in May 2004 facilitated the development of the Committee's position on the draft directive.
The EESC draft opinion welcomes the Commission's goal to create the internal market for services but regrets the insufficient assessments made before the launch of the proposal. It makes a series of suggestions to clarify and amend the Commission's draft directive, notably:
Country-of-origin principle: the EESC considers that a blanket application of the country-of-origin principle is premature and recommends a two-stage transition period for its application. The feasibility of applying this principle to sectors as health and social services should be reviewed. Harmonisation should be given priority for a transitional period for national health systems, liberal professions and other sensitive areas. An immediate application of the country-of-origin principle could lead to a watering-down of standards.
Social dimension: the directive should not lead to a weakening of existing social protection, wage or safety standards at the workplace. Member States should still be free to lay down employment conditions, which would apply in their countries to relevant employees, immigrants or posted workers.
Conflicts of laws: a clearer definition of the scope, derogations and rules on conflict of laws is necessary in the application of the country-of-origin principle to cross-border service provision.
Consumer Protection: consumer protection should be upheld through quality assurance and transparency in pricing.
For more details, please contact:
Vasco de Oliveira or Christian Weger at the EESC Press Office.
Rue Belliard 99, B-1040; Bruxelles
Tel.: 02 546 9396/9586; Mobile: 0475 753 202
e-mail : press@esc.eu.int
Website: http://www.esc.eu.int/press/index_en.asp
| The European Economic and Social Committee represents the various economic and social components of organised civil society. It is an institutional consultative body established by the 1957 Treaty of Rome. Its consultative role enables its members, and hence the organisations they represent, to participate in the Community decision-making process. The Committee has 317 members. Its members are appointed by the Council. |