Brussels, 19/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - Under current Belgian law, candidates wishing to work in the local public sector in its Dutch-, French- and German-speaking regions are required to obtain a specific language certificate issued in Belgium as proof of linguistic knowledge if they have not followed education in the language of the region. Following a complaint by an Austrian citizen, the European Commission has formed the view that this legislation is discriminatory, disproportionate and in breach of EU law on freedom of movement for workers.
For this reason, the Commission has asked Belgium to put an end to these discriminatory conditions and bring its rules into line with the Treaty and European legislation. The request takes the form of a “reasoned opinion” under EU infringement procedures. Belgium now has two months to inform the Commission of measures it has taken to bring its legislation into line with EU law. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer Belgium to the EU Court of Justice. (L.C./transl.rt)