ESC content met EP-stemming over Dienstenrichtlijn (en)

CES/06/13

Bruxelles, le 16 February 2006

EESC President Sigmund:

welcomes the outcome of the EP vote on the Services Directive;

expresses satisfaction that the compromise solution is close to the proposals put forward by the EESC

Speaking today, soon after the EP vote in Strasbourg, EESC President Anne-Marie Sigmund welcomed the result. Such a compromise, she declared, had been necessary to ensure that this vital piece of legislation could be taken forward to the next stage of the process. She hoped the way was now open to move rapidly to a decision which would lead to the creation of a real single market for services, thus leading to major economic benefits for the well being of the Union's citizens.

The European Parliament has now adopted a compromise solution on the first reading of the directive on services in the internal market. The EESC expresses its deep satisfaction that a compromise has been reached. The EESC is likewise satisfied that the European Parliament's solution is close to the proposals put forward by the EESC (For access to the EESC's opinion see: http://eescopinions.esc.eu.int/EESCopinionDocument.aspx?identifier=ces\int\int228\ces137-2005_ac.doc&language=EN). This means that there is now broad agreement for the implementation of the freedom of services.

In its opinion, the EESC argued against a rapid implementation of the country-of-origin principle, considering that this would be premature, bearing in mind the differences between the Member States. The EESC instead advocated a certain period of standards harmonization, sector by sector.

The EESC called for the total exclusion from the directive of services of general interest, health and social services, activities connected with the exercise of official authority, audio-visual services and temporary employment agencies, as well as gambling.

The EESC underlined that the directive should not affect trade union rights, the right to organize and the right to collective bargaining, including the right of the social partners to enter into collective agreements, or the right to take industrial action.

Furthermore, the EESC made clear that workers from another Member State should receive exactly the same treatment as workers from the country in which the work is being done.

The EESC expressed its concern that consumers would find it difficult to receive the service and support they require and deserve, and argued for a better organisation of service to consumers.

On the intensely debated issue of services of general interest, the EESC argued in favour of their exclusion from the directive.

The EESC proposed to set up a central register for those professionals who have lost the license to practice their professions and to enforce an obligatory insurance where appropriate.

The EESC underlined the need to accelerate the creation of a single market for services to boost growth and jobs, with due respect to economic and social cohesion.

For more details, please contact:

Karel Govaert or Christian Weger at the EESC Press Office,

99 rue Belliard, B-1040; Brussels

Tel.: 02 546 9396/9586; Mobile: 0475 753 202

Email: press@esc.eu.int

Website: http://www.esc.eu.int/press/index_en.asp