Mutual recognition of qualifications: a European professional card soon available for EU citizens

Members of the European Parliament's Internal Market Committee and representatives of the Council today reached a provisional agreement on the recognition of professional qualifications between Member States.

“This is great news for citizens’ mobility throughout Europe,” said Constance Le Grip MEP, EPP Group spokeswoman on the dossier. “The EPP Group has been pushing for these proposals to improve the functioning of the Single Market. This revised directive will help to boost employment and growth.”

“A European professional card will be introduced,” she explained.

“Professionals who wish to work in another Member State will benefit from easier and quicker recognition of their qualifications. The professional card will take the form of an electronic certificate, allowing professionals to provide services or become established in another Member State. Temporary mobility will also be facilitated.”

“In addition, 800 regulated professions will be covered by the modernised directive. Doctors, nurses, architects and other professionals will thus be able to work and have their qualifications recognised in a different country from their country of origin.”

“I welcome Commissioner Barnier’s work on the issue, and I am proud that I took part in the elaboration of this modernised text, which contributes to completing a Single Market that is ambitious, protective and more integrated,” Constance Le Grip concluded.

In the past 15 years, more than 230 000 citizens have taken advantage of EU rules in seeking recognition of their professional qualifications. Experience has shown that 15% of all complaints submitted to SOLVIT centres are related to the non-recognition of professional qualifications in the Member States.