Brussels, 31/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has initiated infringement proceedings against five member countries that do not sufficiently comply with the obligation to recognise professional qualifications obtained in another Member State. Thus:
The Commission has decided to refer Greece to the Court of Justice for not implementing Directive 92/51/EEC on the recognition of professional qualifications. This directive was indeed transposed by Presidential decree, following an initial infringement proceeding. But it is said not yet to be implemented in practice, the Commission stresses in its appeal to the Court.
The Commission has sent a reasoned opinion to Austria, which requires three-years professional experience to be able to work independently as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist, which it does not have the right to demand of nationals of other Member States according to Community legislation. In addition, the professions of laboratory technician, radiographer and orthoptist are restricted to paid employment only, which goes against the freedom of establishment guaranteed for independent activities. Austria is also accused of not having made a sufficient distinction between the professions of medical practitioner and dentist, and, when making a separation between these two professions, having extended to "Dentisten", who are not medical practitioners, the benefit of the rights granted to "Zahnarzt", who do exercise the profession of dentist.
France is accused of not having transposed directives that establish the general system of diploma recognition for access to the profession of special educational teacher.
The Commission has asked Spain to comply with the Community legislation relating to diploma recognition of air traffic controllers.
Italy has yet to transpose Directive 92/51/EEC into national law regarding the recognition of professional training for access to sports professions (profession of coach, technical director, sports director and trainer).
Contrary to Greece, the proceedings against Austria, France, Spain and Italy are not at the stage of being referred to court. To avoid it getting that far, these countries must comply with the Commission's request within two months of having received the reasoned opinion.