Professionele kwalificaties: Griekenland gedaagd wegens niet-omzetting EU-regelgeving (en)

The European Commission has decided to make a formal request to Greece for information on the measures taken to implement at national level the Directive on the general system for the recognition of professional qualifications concerning doctors, dentists, veterinary surgeons and architects (Directive2001/19/EC). When the Directive was adopted, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers set 1 January 2003 as the deadline for its implementation into national law. The Commission's request takes the form of a reasoned opinion, which is the second stage of the infringement proceedings laid down in Article 226 of the Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply, the Commission may refer Greece to the European Court of Justice.

The Directive in question is part of the SLIM initiative, the aim of which is to simplify internal market legislation. It amends 14 existing Directives concerning professional qualifications, with regard primarily to nurses responsible for general care, dental practitioners, veterinary surgeons, midwives, architects, pharmacists and doctors. It requires Member States to give prompt decisions on applications for the recognition of qualifications and to take account of professional experience acquired in other Member States. It also speeds up and makes easier the updating of lists of diplomas, certificates and other qualifications which can be automatically recognised in the professions covered by the Directives.

Greece has provided details of some national implementing measures, but there are as yet no measures relating to the professions of doctor, dentist, veterinary surgeon and architect.

According to the latest available figures, published by the Commission in January (see IP/04/33), 134 Directives concerning the internal market (approximately 9% of the total) have still not been implemented into the national law of all the Member States, even though the deadlines which they agreed on when adopting these texts has already passed.

For the latest information on infringement procedures involving all Member States, please consult the following website:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/secretariat_general/sgb/droit_com/index_en.htm