07/12/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 7 December, the European Commission began proceedings for failure to meet an obligation at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) against Austria due to their national legislation that imposes rules that are too restrictive on the free provision of services for architects, engineers, patent agents and vets. This legislation effectively submits these regulated professions to several requirements, particularly in terms of their head offices, patents and capital requirements. According to the Commission, these rules violate articles 49 and 56 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and on the freedom to provide services, as well as certain provisions in directive 2006//123/EC on services. Despite a warning letter and reasoned opinions, the Austrian authorities have not modified their legislation, which is the reason for this proceeding. The Commission has also closed a similar proceeding against Cyprus. (LT)