Brussels, 27/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - Denmark has two months to respond to the reasoned opinion sent by the European Commission on Monday 27 February, for obstructing the freedom to provide services. At issue are its procedures regarding Dutch sailing ships. Denmark systematically requires Dutch sailing ships with more than 12 passengers docking in its ports as part of an international journey to have safety certification. Denmark wants safety certification on a case-by-case basis for Dutch ships, although the Danish authorities could verify whether the safety rules to which they are already subject in neighbouring countries would suffice. The Commission considers that application of national safety standards to ships flying a foreign flag could be interpreted as a restriction on the freedom to provide services. The Commission is therefore calling on Denmark to provide it with sufficient information to demonstrate the efforts that have been made to conform to European legislation. If the country is not sufficiently convincing in this respect, it could be taken to the European Court of Justice. (MD/transl.fl)