TheSMET Task Force, a working group launched in 2020 to remove existing obstacles in the Single Market, addressed, on Friday 29 January, the issue of posted workers at its third meeting.
During this exchange, Member States identified obstacles to the posting of workers as one of the priority areas for action to improve the functioning of the Single Market. The working group discussed actions to be taken to improve the quality and accessibility of information by modernising national websites and the single digital gateway. Steps will also be taken to eliminate excessive reporting requirements inherent in posting and controls.
In addition, the working group addressed existing barriers in the construction sector, where it was agreed that compulsory qualifications systems should be replaced by arrangements to facilitate the mutual recognition of qualifications issued between Member States.
The issue of regulated professions has indeed occupied the Member States, which have identified several obstacles, in particular for the cross-border provision of services. Here, the group intends to analyse the requirements of prior declaration and control, as well as qualification controls for professions that do not present a risk, always with the aim of reducing the documents related to the recognition of professional qualifications.
The Task Force agreed to mandate a ‘group of sherpas’ to put in place the necessary administrative measures to remove the identified obstacles. This group is expected to report on the progress of its work at the next meeting.
It should be noted that a web page dedicated to the Task Force will reportedly be available by the end of the month. This working group was launched in the wake of the action plan for the respect and implementation of the Single Market, presented at the beginning of 2020. It played an important role in the context of the coronavirus pandemic (see EUROPE 12464/16, 12566/10). (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)