19/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has sent a reasoned opinion to the Netherlands, calling on it to put an end to unjustified restrictions on the posting of workers. It calls on the Netherlands to review its rules on the posting of workers that do not (yet) enjoy free movement within the EU. Under Dutch rules, businesses must obtain work permits for certain members of their personnel before being able to post them temporarily to the Netherlands for work purposes. This rule applies to Romanian and Bulgarian workers as well as to nationals of non-EU countries that live and work quite legally in the member state where their employer is established. The Commission states that this work permit requirement constitutes a breach of the rules of the treaty regarding the freedom to provide services. If the Dutch authorities do not reply satisfactorily within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the Court of Justice. (G.B./transl.jl)