28/09/2023 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 28 September, the European Commission decided to open infringement proceedings against Ireland for failure to comply with the Professional Qualifications Directive. This directive facilitates professional mobility and the recognition of qualifications across EU borders, and is particularly used in the health sector. In its letter of formal notice, the Commission considers that Ireland is imposing unjustified restrictions on nurses and midwives from other EU Member States by “excessively” limiting the types of evidence that these professionals are allowed to use to prove their language skills. Ireland has 2 months to respond to the Commission’s arguments, failing which the Commission may decide to send a reasoned opinion, which would force Ireland to comply with the Directive. (IS)