Brussels, 09/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Commission has decided to make a formal request to Portugal to abolish certain conditions which it requires for the recognition of other Member States' professional qualifications for driving instructors. These conditions are too strict (for example, all applicants must provide evidence both of professional qualification and practical experience) and do not comply with the directive which completes the general system for the recognition of professional education and training. The Portuguese authorities have announced that they are adjusting their legislation, but did not indicate when it would take effect.
The Commission also sent a reasoned opinion regarding professional qualification to Italy. It calls on Italy to bring into compliance with European law a bilateral agreement between Italian and French professional organisations concerning the recognition of professional engineering qualifications. The bilateral Paris Agreement establishes a general system for recognition of higher educational diplomas received after vocational training lasting at least three years, and sets conditions that are more restrictive than those in the directive in this respect. No formal procedure has been initiated against France by the Commission as access to the profession of engineer is not subject to the holding of specific qualifications, and therefore no professional recognition is required.