Strasburg, 22/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - Regulating competition within the liberal professions yes, but while taking into account the ethical and public service obligations of certain professions, such as lawyers and doctors. This is the meaning of the resolution adopted by the European Parliament last week, by 457 votes for, 60 against and 18 abstentions.
This stance contributes to the debate launched by Commissioner Mario Monti on the regulation of these professions. Mario Monti announced that, in the coming months, the Commission would publish a report analysing the economic reasons that justify a reform of the sector and suggests avenues for action. His aim is to bring the member states to end the rules that close the sector and to enable consumers to freely choose reasonable prices (see EUROPE of 30 October, p. 11 and 12 December, p. 10).
In fact, the Parliament believes that it is necessary to ensure competition in this sector, while taking into account the range of professions. In its resolution, it underlines the importance of rules that 'require adequate regulation, particularly in the field of organisation, qualifications, professional ethics as well as rules designed to prevent conflicts of interest.' However, the EP specified that two principals must be respected: rules must provide consumers with guarantees of integrity and experience and not lead to restrictions to competition.