Brussels, 23/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - Riga has been summoned by the European Commission to appear before the European Court of Justice because it is preventing foreign notaries from working in the country. The country is effectively restricting access to the profession to Latvians alone. In May 2011, the European Court of Justice ruled that the nationality conditions were incompatible with Article 51 of the treaty on activities relating to the exercise of public authority.
Poland has received a reasoned opinion with regard to recognition of the professional qualifications of lawyers because it insists that recognition can only be given if lawyers have obtained experience within a firm established under Polish law. The European Commission has requested explanations be provided over the next two months, failing which, the country could be taken to the European Court of Justice. (MD/transl.fl)