Brussels, 12/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - Competition Directorate General of the European Commission is organising a conference on 28 October 2003 on the "Regulation of Professional Services" in the EU. The event will provide an opportunity for business, consumers and the professions to discuss the need for and effects of professional rule that impact on competition. In March 2003, Commissioner Monti, who will be attending the conference, published an independent study on regulation in the professions (lawyers, architects, accountants and other professions) and invited interested parties to comment on professional rules. The consultation looked at rules which have become obsolete and may have a negative impact on business and consumers. The Commissioner recommended more freedom for healthy competition. The deadline for registering for the conference (working languages English, German and French) is 19 September 2003. Information and registration on DG Competition's website: http: //europa.eu.int/comm/competition/liberalisation/ conference/conference.html