BETA


2012/2144(INI) Internal market for services: state of play and next steps

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead IMCO CORAZZA BILDT Anna Maria (icon: PPE PPE) RAPTI Sylvana (icon: S&D S&D), LØKKEGAARD Morten (icon: ALDE ALDE), RÜHLE Heide (icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE), HARBOUR Malcolm (icon: ECR ECR), SALVINI Matteo (icon: EFD EFD)
Committee Opinion ENVI
Committee Opinion EMPL CASA David (icon: PPE PPE) Marian HARKIN (icon: ALDE ALDE)
Committee Opinion ITRE
Committee Opinion REGI
Committee Opinion TRAN
Committee Opinion ECON
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54

Events

2013/12/19
   EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2013/09/11
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2013/09/11
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 366 votes to 292, with 42 abstentions, a resolution on the Internal Market for Services: State of Play and Next Steps, in response to the Commission communication on the implementation of the Services Directive.

Members recall that the Services Directive has brought concrete benefits since its adoption in 2006, facilitating market access for both business and consumers, but has not yet yielded all expected results, due to shortcomings in its implementation. Parliament makes the following recommendations:

Services’ untapped potential : recalling that the services sector accounts for more than 65 % of EU GDP and total employment and is a pillar of our economy and that services covered by the Services Directive amount to 45 % of EU GDP, Parliament welcomes the Commission Communication and stress the untapped potential of services for growth and jobs.

The Commission is asked to focus its efforts on those service sectors that are of great economic importance and have above-average growth potential, such as business services, construction services, tourism services and retail, so as to produce tangible results in the short term for growth and jobs.

The resolution stresses the importance of developing better indicators of Single Market performance. It also welcomes the development of the Digital Single Market and also encourages the gradual opening-up of the internal market for services in the welfare sector.

Barriers, borders and burdens to free movement : Parliament regrets that there is a significant number of cases identified where Member States are inappropriately invoking overriding reasons of public interest (Article15 of the Services Directive) for the sole purpose of protecting and favouring their domestic market. It considers that the use of overriding reasons of public interest should always be objectively justified and strictly proportionate to the objective pursued, consistent with European Court of Justice (ECJ) case law. The resolution highlights the fact that burdensome legal and shareholder requirements , territorial restrictions, economic needs tests and fixed tariffs create unjustified obstacles to efficient cross-border establishment and damage the internal market for services.

Parliament asks the Commission to clarify the concept of proportionality and issue practical guidance to the Member States on how to apply it. It urges Member States to apply effectively and fully the freedom to provide services clause (Article16 of the Services Directive) and to remove double regulatory burdens. Members call on businesses to refrain from unjustified discriminatory practices on grounds of nationality or place of residence.

Smart governance of the internal market for services : Member States are asked to:

take an integrated approach to the internal market for services in order to ensure legal certainty for consumers and business, in particular SMEs; make greater use of mutual recognition to facilitate the free movement of services, wherever harmonised rules are not yet in place; upgrade to second-generation Points of Single Contact that are fully functional, multilingual and user-friendly e-government portals.

The resolution asks the Commission to ensure consistency between the peer review under the Services Directive and the mutual evaluation under the Professional Qualifications Directive . It considers that the European Commission and the European standardisation organisations should work in close cooperation in order to ensure, where relevant, coherence in the terminology used so that the rules are applied consistently throughout the EU. It encourages broader use of the IMI-system between Member States to check compliance with the requirements of the directive, in particular in cases of the cross-border provision of service.

Parliament also highlights the fact that inadequate cross-border coverage of insurance for service providers is a major hindrance to free movement. It urges stakeholders to find solutions through dialogue.

Better enforcement : Members call on the Commission to assist Member States with the key problems they have identified regarding implementation and application of EU Single Market legislation. They strongly support the Commission’s zero tolerance policy with regard to unjustified restrictions and calls for fast-track infringement procedures to be applied whenever incorrect or insufficient implementation or breaches of the directive by Member States are identified.

Strengthening transparency and accountability : Parliament encourages the Commission to pay particular attention to the services sector in Annual Growth Surveys and to include services in the country-specific recommendations. It calls on the national parliaments to engage actively in supporting the enforcement of the directive and asks the Council and its Presidency to place the internal market for services on the agenda for Competitiveness Council meetings on a regular basis.

Documents
2013/09/11
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2013/09/10
   EP - Debate in Parliament
2013/07/19
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details

The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection adopted the own-initiative report by Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT (EPP, SE) on the Internal Market for Services: State of Play and Next Steps.

Services’ untapped potential : recalling that the services sector accounts for more than 65 % of EU GDP and total employment and is a pillar of our economy and that services covered by the Services Directive amount to 45 % of EU GDP, Members welcome the Commission Communication and stress the untapped potential of services for growth and jobs.

The Commission is asked to focus its efforts on those service sectors that are of great economic importance and have above-average growth potential, such as business services, construction services, tourism services and retail, so as to produce tangible results in the short term for growth and jobs.

The report stresses the importance of developing better indicators of Single Market performance. Welcomes the development of the Digital Single Market and also encourages the gradual opening-up of the internal market for services in the welfare sector.

Barriers, borders and burdens to free movement : Members regret that there is a significant number of cases identified where Member States are inappropriately invoking overriding reasons of public interest (Article15 of the Services Directive) for the sole purpose of protecting and favouring their domestic market. They consider that the use of overriding reasons of public interest should always be objectively justified and strictly proportionate to the objective pursued, consistent with European Court of Justice (ECJ) case law. The report highlights the fact that burdensome legal and shareholder requirements , territorial restrictions, economic needs tests and fixed tariffs create unjustified obstacles to efficient cross-border establishment and damage the internal market for services.

Members ask the Commission to clarify the concept of proportionality and issue practical guidance to the Member States on how to apply it. They urge Member States to apply effectively and fully the freedom to provide services clause (Article16 of the Services Directive) and to remove double regulatory burdens. They call on businesses to refrain from unjustified discriminatory practices on grounds of nationality or place of residence.

Smart governance of the internal market for services : Member States are asked to:

· take an integrated approach to the internal market for services in order to ensure legal certainty for consumers and business, in particular SMEs;

· make greater use of mutual recognition to facilitate the free movement of services, wherever harmonised rules are not yet in place;

· upgrade to second-generation Points of Single Contact that are fully functional, multilingual and user-friendly e-government portals.

The report asks the Commission to ensure consistency between the peer review under the Services Directive and the mutual evaluation under the Professional Qualifications Directive .

It considers that the European Commission and the European standardisation organisations should work in close cooperation in order to ensure, where relevant, coherence in the terminology used so that the rules are applied consistently throughout the EU. It encourages broader use of the IMI-system between Member States to check compliance with the requirements of the directive, in particular in cases of the cross-border provision of service.

The report also highlights the fact that inadequate cross-border coverage of insurance for service providers is a major hindrance to free movement. It urges stakeholders to find solutions through dialogue.

Better enforcement : Members call on the Commission to assist Member States with the key problems they have identified regarding implementation and application of EU Single Market legislation, including on how to improve transposition and compliance deficits and obtaining fast and efficient judicial redress.

They strongly support the Commission’s zero tolerance policy with regard to unjustified restrictions and calls for fast-track infringement procedures to be applied whenever incorrect or insufficient implementation or breaches of the directive by Member States are identified.

Strengthening transparency and accountability : the report encourages the Commission to pay particular attention to the services sector in Annual Growth Surveys and to include services in the country-specific recommendations. It calls on the national parliaments to engage actively in supporting the enforcement of the directive and asks the Council and its Presidency to place the internal market for services on the agenda for Competitiveness Council meetings on a regular basis.

Documents
2013/07/09
   EP - Vote in committee
2013/06/20
   EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2013/05/13
   EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2013/03/21
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2012/09/13
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2012/07/09
   EP - CASA David (PPE) appointed as rapporteur in EMPL
2012/06/08
   EC - Non-legislative basic document
Details

OBJECTIVE: to propose ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive.

BACKGROUND: the Commission notes the services sector is a significant driver of growth in the EU as it represents more than 65% of EU GDP and employment . A more integrated and better functioning Single Market for services is vital to contribute to the economic recovery of the EU.

All Member States have made significant efforts to implement the Services Directive. They have removed many unjustified barriers and have modernised their regulatory framework applicable to services.

The measures which Member States have adopted to implement the Services Directive is bringing an additional 0.8% of EU GDP over time, with the majority of the effect materializing during the 5-10 years following implementation. Economic analysis has shown that if Member States were to abolish almost all the remaining restrictions, the total economic gain would be more than three times what we have already achieved - about 2.6% of GDP .

However, growth and job creation in the services sector are still hampered by a wide range of obstacles . More growth is possible if action is taken now to release the full potential of the Services Directive.

On 30 May 2012 the Commission already proposed country-specific recommendations on structural reforms in the services sector for 12 Member States.

CONTENT: the present communication sets out the actions that Member States and the Commission should take to ensure that the Directive has the greatest possible impact. It responds to the reporting obligation of the Commission as set out in the Directive, the requests from the European Council and the European Parliament to monitor closely and report on the implementation of the Directive and on the initiatives to improve and reinforce the Single Market for services.

Delivering the full effect of the Services Directive : in line with the Communication on Better Governance for the Single Market, we should concentrate our efforts on making what already exists work better . This Communication proposes ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive in particular in services sectors of significant economic importance :

· business services representing 11.7% of GDP,

· construction representing 6.3% of GDP,

· tourism representing 4.4 % of GDP, and

· retail representing 4.2% of GDP.

“Zero tolerance” policy for non-compliance : the Commission believes that Member States should step up their level of ambition as regards the Services Directive . Any remaining obstacles should be thoroughly assessed as to their economic impact.

Member States must commit to make their legislation fully compliant with the Services Directive by putting an end to remaining instances of non-compliance with unequivocal obligations in the Services Directive in their legislation as a matter of urgency. The Commission will apply its zero tolerance policy through infringement procedures, where necessary.

Professional services : there are around 800 categories of regulated professions. Discrepancies in regulating professional services have been identified amongst Member States. The effects of these divergences are made worse by cumbersome procedures for the recognition of qualifications. The Commission has put forward a proposal to modernise the legal framework for the mobility of professional services; Member States should adopt it swiftly.

Consumers : the Single Market must work for consumers. Businesses should not partition it in an artificial way to the detriment of service recipients. As a matter of priority Member States must enforce national provisions implementing the “non-discrimination” clause which prohibits discrimination against service recipients on the basis of their nationality or country of residence. Particular attention should be given to cases where consumers face higher charges than would be imposed for a domestic transaction when they wish to pay for a service provided in another Member State by credit transfer or direct debit in euro.

Consumers should, in principle, no longer be refused supply on the ground that it is impossible to physically deliver goods in another Member State. Similarly, service providers should not rely on mere geographic factors in order to engage in practices that artificially partition markets within the EU single market to the detriment of consumers.

Making Single Market rules work on the ground : procedures for the recognition of professional qualifications are long and cumbersome in many Member States. Cross-border services are increasingly provided on line. Despite the simplification introduced by the Services Directive and the E-Commerce Directive, barriers still exist.

The Services Directive and other Single Market instruments, such as the Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the E-Commerce Directive, should be applied in a streamlined way . Where necessary, Union law should be modernised to meet specific services' needs and to ensure that the legal framework works effectively on the ground for both service providers and recipients.

Sector-specific needs : the performance checks exercise has identified the need to address a number of bottlenecks for growth in specific sectors.

In this regard, the Commission:

· will aim at ensuring an increased use of mutual recognition clauses in future proposals of sector-specific legislation setting up authorisation schemes for experts providing specialised services ;

· will aim at accelerating legislative procedures on measures affecting consumers which are of key importance for the single market for services;

· will adopt in 2012 a European Retail Action Plan setting out an EU strategy for this sector ; and will create a High-Level Group on Business-Related Services to study the shortcomings of this particular sector by autumn 2012.

· Second generation Points of Single Contact (PSC) : Member States should develop the Points of Single Contact to become fully-fledged e-government tools responding adequately to the needs of service providers and recipients.

By the end of 2014, Member States, assisted by the Commission are encouraged to develop the second generation PSCs which should (1) cover all procedures during the business life cycle, (2) be multilingual, and (3) be more user-friendly.

The Commission believes that this requires a political commitment by all European institutions and Member States to give the necessary priority to delivering the required actions within the set time-scale. The Commission will work with Member States in a partnership to create new growth and jobs in services and will monitor progress closely in its Annual Growth Survey.

2012/06/08
   EC - Non-legislative basic document published
Details

OBJECTIVE: to propose ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive.

BACKGROUND: the Commission notes the services sector is a significant driver of growth in the EU as it represents more than 65% of EU GDP and employment . A more integrated and better functioning Single Market for services is vital to contribute to the economic recovery of the EU.

All Member States have made significant efforts to implement the Services Directive. They have removed many unjustified barriers and have modernised their regulatory framework applicable to services.

The measures which Member States have adopted to implement the Services Directive is bringing an additional 0.8% of EU GDP over time, with the majority of the effect materializing during the 5-10 years following implementation. Economic analysis has shown that if Member States were to abolish almost all the remaining restrictions, the total economic gain would be more than three times what we have already achieved - about 2.6% of GDP .

However, growth and job creation in the services sector are still hampered by a wide range of obstacles . More growth is possible if action is taken now to release the full potential of the Services Directive.

On 30 May 2012 the Commission already proposed country-specific recommendations on structural reforms in the services sector for 12 Member States.

CONTENT: the present communication sets out the actions that Member States and the Commission should take to ensure that the Directive has the greatest possible impact. It responds to the reporting obligation of the Commission as set out in the Directive, the requests from the European Council and the European Parliament to monitor closely and report on the implementation of the Directive and on the initiatives to improve and reinforce the Single Market for services.

Delivering the full effect of the Services Directive : in line with the Communication on Better Governance for the Single Market, we should concentrate our efforts on making what already exists work better . This Communication proposes ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive in particular in services sectors of significant economic importance :

· business services representing 11.7% of GDP,

· construction representing 6.3% of GDP,

· tourism representing 4.4 % of GDP, and

· retail representing 4.2% of GDP.

“Zero tolerance” policy for non-compliance : the Commission believes that Member States should step up their level of ambition as regards the Services Directive . Any remaining obstacles should be thoroughly assessed as to their economic impact.

Member States must commit to make their legislation fully compliant with the Services Directive by putting an end to remaining instances of non-compliance with unequivocal obligations in the Services Directive in their legislation as a matter of urgency. The Commission will apply its zero tolerance policy through infringement procedures, where necessary.

Professional services : there are around 800 categories of regulated professions. Discrepancies in regulating professional services have been identified amongst Member States. The effects of these divergences are made worse by cumbersome procedures for the recognition of qualifications. The Commission has put forward a proposal to modernise the legal framework for the mobility of professional services; Member States should adopt it swiftly.

Consumers : the Single Market must work for consumers. Businesses should not partition it in an artificial way to the detriment of service recipients. As a matter of priority Member States must enforce national provisions implementing the “non-discrimination” clause which prohibits discrimination against service recipients on the basis of their nationality or country of residence. Particular attention should be given to cases where consumers face higher charges than would be imposed for a domestic transaction when they wish to pay for a service provided in another Member State by credit transfer or direct debit in euro.

Consumers should, in principle, no longer be refused supply on the ground that it is impossible to physically deliver goods in another Member State. Similarly, service providers should not rely on mere geographic factors in order to engage in practices that artificially partition markets within the EU single market to the detriment of consumers.

Making Single Market rules work on the ground : procedures for the recognition of professional qualifications are long and cumbersome in many Member States. Cross-border services are increasingly provided on line. Despite the simplification introduced by the Services Directive and the E-Commerce Directive, barriers still exist.

The Services Directive and other Single Market instruments, such as the Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the E-Commerce Directive, should be applied in a streamlined way . Where necessary, Union law should be modernised to meet specific services' needs and to ensure that the legal framework works effectively on the ground for both service providers and recipients.

Sector-specific needs : the performance checks exercise has identified the need to address a number of bottlenecks for growth in specific sectors.

In this regard, the Commission:

· will aim at ensuring an increased use of mutual recognition clauses in future proposals of sector-specific legislation setting up authorisation schemes for experts providing specialised services ;

· will aim at accelerating legislative procedures on measures affecting consumers which are of key importance for the single market for services;

· will adopt in 2012 a European Retail Action Plan setting out an EU strategy for this sector ; and will create a High-Level Group on Business-Related Services to study the shortcomings of this particular sector by autumn 2012.

· Second generation Points of Single Contact (PSC) : Member States should develop the Points of Single Contact to become fully-fledged e-government tools responding adequately to the needs of service providers and recipients.

By the end of 2014, Member States, assisted by the Commission are encouraged to develop the second generation PSCs which should (1) cover all procedures during the business life cycle, (2) be multilingual, and (3) be more user-friendly.

The Commission believes that this requires a political commitment by all European institutions and Member States to give the necessary priority to delivering the required actions within the set time-scale. The Commission will work with Member States in a partnership to create new growth and jobs in services and will monitor progress closely in its Annual Growth Survey.

2012/05/08
   EP - CORAZZA BILDT Anna Maria (PPE) appointed as rapporteur in IMCO

Documents

Votes

A7-0273/2013 - Anna Maria Corazza Bildt - Am 9 #

2013/09/11 Outcome: -: 371, +: 296, 0: 10
IT EL DK AT SE FR CZ PT ES CY MT HR SK EE LT BE LU LV RO FI IE SI DE NL BG HU GB PL
Total
57
18
13
18
18
67
21
19
49
5
5
11
12
3
11
21
4
9
29
11
12
8
90
25
14
19
59
48
icon: S&D S&D
176

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Latvia S&D

1

Finland S&D

2

Ireland S&D

2

Slovenia S&D

2

Netherlands S&D

3
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
56

Greece Verts/ALE

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Portugal Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

4

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Finland Verts/ALE

2

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
30

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Cyprus GUE/NGL

1

Croatia GUE/NGL

1

Latvia GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

2

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1
icon: NI NI
23

Italy NI

2

France NI

For (1)

1

Spain NI

1

Belgium NI

For (1)

1

Ireland NI

For (1)

1

Hungary NI

1

United Kingdom NI

Against (1)

3
icon: EFD EFD
25

Greece EFD

Against (1)

1

Denmark EFD

1

France EFD

Against (1)

1

Slovakia EFD

Abstain (1)

1

Lithuania EFD

For (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Finland EFD

Against (1)

1

Netherlands EFD

Against (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
49

Italy ECR

2

Denmark ECR

Against (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Belgium ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

Abstain (1)

1

Hungary ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
71

Greece ALDE

Against (1)

1

Denmark ALDE

3

Austria ALDE

Abstain (1)

1

Spain ALDE

1

Estonia ALDE

1

Lithuania ALDE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Romania ALDE

3
3

Slovenia ALDE

Against (2)

2
icon: PPE PPE
246

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Czechia PPE

2

Cyprus PPE

2

Malta PPE

2

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

2

Finland PPE

3

A7-0273/2013 - Anna Maria Corazza Bildt - Am 2 #

2013/09/11 Outcome: -: 367, +: 286, 0: 21
EL FR DK SE CY FI ES AT MT CZ BE LT PT HR IT IE SK EE LU LV RO SI DE BG NL HU GB PL
Total
18
68
13
18
6
11
49
18
5
20
21
11
19
11
56
12
12
4
4
9
29
8
88
14
25
19
56
49
icon: S&D S&D
176

Finland S&D

2

Ireland S&D

2

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Latvia S&D

1

Slovenia S&D

2

Netherlands S&D

3
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
55

Greece Verts/ALE

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

2

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

4

Portugal Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
31

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

1

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

Against (1)

3

Croatia GUE/NGL

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Latvia GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

2

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1
icon: NI NI
23

France NI

Abstain (1)

1

Spain NI

1
5

Belgium NI

Abstain (1)

1

Italy NI

For (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Ireland NI

For (1)

1

Hungary NI

1

United Kingdom NI

Abstain (1)

3
icon: EFD EFD
25

Greece EFD

1

France EFD

Against (1)

1

Denmark EFD

1

Finland EFD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFD

2

Slovakia EFD

Against (1)

1

Netherlands EFD

Against (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
47

Denmark ECR

Against (1)

1

Belgium ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Italy ECR

2

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

Against (1)

1

Hungary ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
71

Greece ALDE

Against (1)

1

Denmark ALDE

3

Finland ALDE

For (1)

3

Spain ALDE

1

Austria ALDE

Abstain (1)

1

Lithuania ALDE

Against (1)

1

Italy ALDE

For (1)

4

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

4

Estonia ALDE

2

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Romania ALDE

3

Slovenia ALDE

Against (2)

2
icon: PPE PPE
245

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Cyprus PPE

2

Finland PPE

For (1)

3

Malta PPE

2

Czechia PPE

2

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

2

A7-0273/2013 - Anna Maria Corazza Bildt - Am 10 #

2013/09/11 Outcome: -: 361, +: 307, 0: 7
FR IT EL AT DK SE CY PT MT NL ES FI CZ HR BE LT SK EE LU IE LV RO SI DE GB BG HU PL
Total
68
57
18
17
13
18
6
19
5
24
48
10
21
11
19
11
12
4
4
12
9
29
8
90
60
14
19
48
icon: S&D S&D
175

Netherlands S&D

3

Finland S&D

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Ireland S&D

2

Latvia S&D

1

Slovenia S&D

2
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
56

Greece Verts/ALE

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Portugal Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

Finland Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

Against (1)

4

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
31

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Netherlands GUE/NGL

2

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Croatia GUE/NGL

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Latvia GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1
icon: NI NI
23

France NI

For (1)

1

Italy NI

2

Spain NI

Against (1)

1

Belgium NI

For (1)

1

Ireland NI

For (1)

1

United Kingdom NI

Abstain (1)

3

Hungary NI

1
icon: EFD EFD
25

France EFD

1

Greece EFD

Against (1)

1

Denmark EFD

1

Netherlands EFD

For (1)

1

Finland EFD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFD

For (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Slovakia EFD

Against (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
51

Italy ECR

2

Denmark ECR

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

For (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Belgium ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Hungary ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
70

Greece ALDE

Against (1)

1

Denmark ALDE

3

Spain ALDE

1
3

Lithuania ALDE

Against (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

2

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Ireland ALDE

Abstain (1)

4

Latvia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Romania ALDE

3

Slovenia ALDE

Against (2)

2
icon: PPE PPE
243

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Cyprus PPE

2

Malta PPE

2

Finland PPE

Against (1)

3

Czechia PPE

2

Belgium PPE

3

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

2

A7-0273/2013 - Anna Maria Corazza Bildt - Am 11 #

2013/09/11 Outcome: -: 357, +: 307, 0: 9
IT FR EL AT DK SE CZ CY PT MT BE ES SK NL LT HR EE LU DE IE LV RO FI GB SI BG HU PL
Total
57
67
18
18
13
17
20
6
19
5
20
49
12
24
11
10
4
4
89
11
9
29
11
59
8
14
19
49
icon: S&D S&D
176

Netherlands S&D

3
3

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Ireland S&D

2

Latvia S&D

1

Finland S&D

2

Slovenia S&D

2
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
55

Greece Verts/ALE

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Portugal Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

Against (1)

4

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Finland Verts/ALE

2

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
31

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

2

Croatia GUE/NGL

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Latvia GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1
icon: NI NI
23

Italy NI

2

France NI

For (1)

1

Belgium NI

For (1)

1

Spain NI

Against (1)

1

Ireland NI

For (1)

1

United Kingdom NI

Abstain (1)

3

Hungary NI

1
icon: EFD EFD
25

France EFD

1

Greece EFD

Abstain (1)

1

Denmark EFD

1

Slovakia EFD

Abstain (1)

1

Netherlands EFD

For (1)

1

Lithuania EFD

For (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Finland EFD

Against (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
67

Greece ALDE

Against (1)

1

Austria ALDE

Abstain (1)

1

Denmark ALDE

3

Sweden ALDE

3

Spain ALDE

1

Lithuania ALDE

Against (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

2

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Ireland ALDE

3

Latvia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Romania ALDE

3
3

Slovenia ALDE

Against (2)

2
icon: ECR ECR
49

Italy ECR

2

Denmark ECR

Against (1)

1

Belgium ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Hungary ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: PPE PPE
246

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Czechia PPE

2

Cyprus PPE

2

Malta PPE

2

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

2

Finland PPE

3

A7-0273/2013 - Anna Maria Corazza Bildt - Am 5 #

2013/09/11 Outcome: -: 370, +: 280, 0: 12
EL FR MT SE CY DK AT CZ ES FI LT PT HR RO LU LV BE SK EE SI IT IE DE NL BG HU GB PL
Total
18
67
5
17
6
13
18
19
46
11
11
19
11
29
3
8
18
12
4
7
56
12
89
24
14
19
58
47
icon: S&D S&D
169

Finland S&D

2

Latvia S&D

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Slovenia S&D

2

Ireland S&D

2

Netherlands S&D

3
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
56

Greece Verts/ALE

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Finland Verts/ALE

2

Portugal Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

Against (1)

4

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
31

Greece GUE/NGL

3

Sweden GUE/NGL

1

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

Against (1)

3

Croatia GUE/NGL

1

Latvia GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

2

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1
icon: NI NI
22

France NI

For (1)

1

Spain NI

1

Belgium NI

For (1)

1

Italy NI

For (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Ireland NI

For (1)

1

Hungary NI

Against (1)

1

United Kingdom NI

Abstain (1)

3
icon: EFD EFD
25

Greece EFD

1

France EFD

Against (1)

1

Denmark EFD

Abstain (1)

1

Finland EFD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFD

2

Slovakia EFD

Against (1)

1

Netherlands EFD

Against (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
68

Greece ALDE

Against (1)

1

Sweden ALDE

3

Denmark ALDE

3

Austria ALDE

Against (1)

1

Spain ALDE

1

Finland ALDE

For (1)

3

Lithuania ALDE

Against (1)

1

Romania ALDE

3

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

2

Slovenia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Italy ALDE

4

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

4
icon: ECR ECR
49

Denmark ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Belgium ECR

Against (1)

1

Italy ECR

2

Netherlands ECR

Against (1)

1

Hungary ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: PPE PPE
241

Malta PPE

2

Cyprus PPE

2

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Czechia PPE

2

Finland PPE

3

Luxembourg PPE

Against (1)

1

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

A7-0273/2013 - Anna Maria Corazza Bildt - Am 12 #

2013/09/11 Outcome: -: 535, +: 126, 0: 8
CY LU DK NL FI EE LT LV MT AT EL SE IE SI PT HR SK CZ BE BG HU RO FR IT GB ES DE PL
Total
5
4
12
24
10
4
11
9
5
18
18
18
12
8
19
11
12
21
20
14
19
28
67
54
59
49
89
48
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
55

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

Finland Verts/ALE

2

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Greece Verts/ALE

1

Portugal Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

Against (1)

4

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
31

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

2

Latvia GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Croatia GUE/NGL

1

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1
icon: EFD EFD
25

Denmark EFD

1

Netherlands EFD

Against (1)

1

Finland EFD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFD

2

Greece EFD

Against (1)

1

Slovakia EFD

Against (1)

1

France EFD

1
icon: NI NI
22

Ireland NI

Against (1)

1

Belgium NI

Against (1)

1

Hungary NI

1

France NI

Against (1)

1

Italy NI

For (1)

Against (1)

2

United Kingdom NI

Against (1)

3

Spain NI

Against (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
51

Denmark ECR

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Belgium ECR

Against (1)

1

Hungary ECR

Against (1)

1

Italy ECR

2
icon: ALDE ALDE
70

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Denmark ALDE

2
3

Estonia ALDE

2

Lithuania ALDE

Against (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Austria ALDE

Abstain (1)

1

Greece ALDE

Against (1)

1

Slovenia ALDE

Against (2)

2

Romania ALDE

3

Italy ALDE

For (1)

4

Spain ALDE

1
icon: S&D S&D
171
2

Netherlands S&D

3

Finland S&D

1

Estonia S&D

Against (1)

1

Latvia S&D

Against (1)

1

Ireland S&D

Against (1)

2

Slovenia S&D

2

Bulgaria S&D

3

Hungary S&D

For (1)

4
icon: PPE PPE
243

Cyprus PPE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

2

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Finland PPE

3

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Malta PPE

2

Czechia PPE

2

A7-0273/2013 - Anna Maria Corazza Bildt - Am 7 #

2013/09/11 Outcome: -: 372, +: 297, 0: 5
IT MT EL DK SE CY AT FR PT ES HR LT FI CZ SK IE BE EE LU NL LV RO SI DE HU BG GB PL
Total
55
5
18
13
18
6
18
67
19
49
10
11
11
21
12
12
21
4
4
25
9
29
8
89
18
14
60
47
icon: S&D S&D
174

Finland S&D

2

Ireland S&D

2

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Netherlands S&D

3

Latvia S&D

1

Slovenia S&D

2
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
55

Greece Verts/ALE

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Portugal Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

2

Belgium Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

4

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
31

Greece GUE/NGL

3

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Croatia GUE/NGL

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

2

Latvia GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1
icon: NI NI
22

Italy NI

For (1)

1

France NI

For (1)

1

Spain NI

1

Ireland NI

For (1)

1

Belgium NI

For (1)

1

Hungary NI

1

United Kingdom NI

Abstain (1)

3
icon: EFD EFD
25

Greece EFD

1

Denmark EFD

1

France EFD

1

Lithuania EFD

2

Finland EFD

For (1)

1

Slovakia EFD

Abstain (1)

1

Netherlands EFD

Against (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
51

Italy ECR

2

Denmark ECR

Against (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Belgium ECR

Against (1)

1

Netherlands ECR

For (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Hungary ECR

Against (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
72

Greece ALDE

Against (1)

1

Denmark ALDE

3

Austria ALDE

Against (1)

1

Spain ALDE

1

Lithuania ALDE

Against (1)

1
3

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

4

Estonia ALDE

2

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Latvia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Romania ALDE

3

Slovenia ALDE

Against (2)

2
icon: PPE PPE
243

Malta PPE

2

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Cyprus PPE

2

Finland PPE

3

Czechia PPE

2

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

2

A7-0273/2013 - Anna Maria Corazza Bildt - Am 8 #

2013/09/11 Outcome: -: 550, +: 108, 0: 10
NL LU EE CY LV MT SE SI LT FI DK HR AT IE CZ SK EL PT BE BG HU FR RO ES DE GB PL IT
Total
24
4
4
6
9
5
18
8
11
11
12
11
18
12
21
11
18
19
21
14
18
65
29
47
88
59
47
57
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
54

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Finland Verts/ALE

2

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2

Greece Verts/ALE

1

Portugal Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

4

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

5
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
30

Netherlands GUE/NGL

1

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2

Latvia GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

1

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

Croatia GUE/NGL

1

Ireland GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Greece GUE/NGL

3

Portugal GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

3

Spain GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1
icon: NI NI
22

Ireland NI

Against (1)

1

Belgium NI

Against (1)

1

Hungary NI

Abstain (1)

1

Spain NI

Against (1)

1

United Kingdom NI

3

Italy NI

2
icon: EFD EFD
25

Netherlands EFD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFD

2

Finland EFD

Against (1)

1

Denmark EFD

Against (1)

1

Slovakia EFD

Against (1)

1

Greece EFD

Against (1)

1

France EFD

Against (1)

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
72

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

2

Latvia ALDE

Against (1)

1

Sweden ALDE

For (1)

4

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

Against (1)

2

Lithuania ALDE

Against (1)

1
3

Denmark ALDE

3

Austria ALDE

Abstain (1)

1

Greece ALDE

Against (1)

1

Romania ALDE

3

Spain ALDE

1
icon: ECR ECR
50

Netherlands ECR

Against (1)

1

Latvia ECR

Against (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

Against (1)

1

Denmark ECR

Against (1)

1

Croatia ECR

Against (1)

1

Belgium ECR

Against (1)

1

Hungary ECR

Against (1)

1

Italy ECR

2
icon: S&D S&D
169

Netherlands S&D

3

Estonia S&D

Against (1)

1
2

Latvia S&D

Against (1)

1

Slovenia S&D

2

Finland S&D

2

Ireland S&D

2

Bulgaria S&D

3

Hungary S&D

3
icon: PPE PPE
245

Luxembourg PPE

2

Estonia PPE

Against (1)

1

Cyprus PPE

2

Malta PPE

2

Finland PPE

3

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Czechia PPE

2

A7-0273/2013 - Anna Maria Corazza Bildt - Résolution #

2013/09/11 Outcome: +: 366, -: 292, 0: 14
PL HU BG RO MT IE DE LV FI LT NL SI BE EE CZ SK HR GB LU ES IT SE DK PT CY EL AT FR
Total
44
19
14
29
5
12
89
9
10
11
24
7
21
4
20
12
11
60
4
49
57
18
13
19
5
18
19
68
icon: PPE PPE
244

Malta PPE

2

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1

Czechia PPE

2

Luxembourg PPE

2

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Cyprus PPE

1
icon: ALDE ALDE
71

Latvia ALDE

For (1)

1

Lithuania ALDE

1

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

2

Luxembourg ALDE

Against (1)

1

Spain ALDE

1
3

Greece ALDE

1

Austria ALDE

1
icon: ECR ECR
51

Hungary ECR

For (1)

1

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Lithuania ECR

1

Netherlands ECR

For (1)

1

Belgium ECR

For (1)

1

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1

Italy ECR

For (1)

Abstain (1)

2

Denmark ECR

For (1)

1
icon: EFD EFD
23

Poland EFD

2

Finland EFD

For (1)

1

Lithuania EFD

2

Netherlands EFD

For (1)

1

Slovakia EFD

For (1)

1

Denmark EFD

Against (1)

1

Greece EFD

1

France EFD

Against (1)

1
icon: NI NI
23

Hungary NI

Against (1)

1

Ireland NI

Against (1)

1

Belgium NI

Against (1)

1

United Kingdom NI

3

Spain NI

1

Italy NI

2

France NI

Against (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
31

Ireland GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Latvia GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

2

Czechia GUE/NGL

3

Croatia GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Spain GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

Against (1)

1

Denmark GUE/NGL

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
56

Latvia Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

Against (2)

2

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

Belgium Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

4

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

Abstain (1)

5

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Portugal Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Greece Verts/ALE

Against (1)

1

Austria Verts/ALE

2
icon: S&D S&D
172

Poland S&D

Abstain (1)

4

Hungary S&D

Abstain (1)

4

Bulgaria S&D

3

Ireland S&D

2

Latvia S&D

Against (1)

1

Finland S&D

Against (1)

1

Netherlands S&D

Against (1)

3

Slovenia S&D

2

Estonia S&D

Against (1)

1
2
AmendmentsDossier
169 2012/2144(INI)
2012/12/12 EMPL 37 amendments...
source: PE-502.030
2013/05/13 IMCO 132 amendments...
source: PE-508.256

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

docs/0
date
2012-06-08T00:00:00
docs
summary
type
Non-legislative basic document
body
EC
events/0/docs/1/url
Old
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2012&nu_doc=0261
New
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2012&nu_doc=261
committees/0/shadows/4
name
HÄNDEL Thomas
group
European United Left - Nordic Green Left
abbr
GUE/NGL
docs/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE496.644
New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/IMCO-PR-496644_EN.html
docs/1/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE508.256
New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/IMCO-AM-508256_EN.html
docs/2/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE497.896&secondRef=02
New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/EMPL-AD-497896_EN.html
events/0/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2012/0261/COM_COM(2012)0261_EN.pdf
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/registre/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2012/0261/COM_COM(2012)0261_EN.pdf
events/1/type
Old
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
New
Committee referral announced in Parliament
events/2/type
Old
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
New
Vote in committee
events/3
date
2013-07-19T00:00:00
type
Committee report tabled for plenary
body
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  • date: 2012-06-08T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2012/0261/COM_COM(2012)0261_EN.pdf title: COM(2012)0261 type: Non-legislative basic document published celexid: CELEX:52012DC0261:EN body: EC commission: DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/internal_market/ title: Internal Market and Services Commissioner: BARNIER Michel type: Non-legislative basic document published
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  • date: 2013-07-09T00:00:00 body: EP type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Economic and Monetary Affairs committee: ECON body: EP responsible: False committee: EMPL date: 2012-07-09T00:00:00 committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs rapporteur: group: PPE name: CASA David body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Environment, Public Health and Food Safety committee: ENVI body: EP shadows: group: S&D name: RAPTI Sylvana group: ALDE name: LØKKEGAARD Morten group: Verts/ALE name: RÜHLE Heide group: ECR name: HARBOUR Malcolm group: GUE/NGL name: HÄNDEL Thomas group: EFD name: SALVINI Matteo responsible: True committee: IMCO date: 2012-05-08T00:00:00 committee_full: Internal Market and Consumer Protection rapporteur: group: PPE name: CORAZZA BILDT Anna Maria body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy committee: ITRE body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Regional Development committee: REGI body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Transport and Tourism committee: TRAN
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  • date: 2013-03-21T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE496.644 title: PE496.644 type: Committee draft report body: EP
  • date: 2013-05-13T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE508.256 title: PE508.256 type: Amendments tabled in committee body: EP
  • date: 2013-06-20T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE497.896&secondRef=02 title: PE497.896 committee: EMPL type: Committee opinion body: EP
  • date: 2013-12-19T00:00:00 docs: url: /oeil/spdoc.do?i=23313&j=0&l=en title: SP(2013)816 type: Commission response to text adopted in plenary
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  • date: 2012-06-08T00:00:00 type: Non-legislative basic document published body: EC docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2012/0261/COM_COM(2012)0261_EN.pdf title: COM(2012)0261 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2012&nu_doc=261 title: EUR-Lex summary: OBJECTIVE: to propose ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive. BACKGROUND: the Commission notes the services sector is a significant driver of growth in the EU as it represents more than 65% of EU GDP and employment . A more integrated and better functioning Single Market for services is vital to contribute to the economic recovery of the EU. All Member States have made significant efforts to implement the Services Directive. They have removed many unjustified barriers and have modernised their regulatory framework applicable to services. The measures which Member States have adopted to implement the Services Directive is bringing an additional 0.8% of EU GDP over time, with the majority of the effect materializing during the 5-10 years following implementation. Economic analysis has shown that if Member States were to abolish almost all the remaining restrictions, the total economic gain would be more than three times what we have already achieved - about 2.6% of GDP . However, growth and job creation in the services sector are still hampered by a wide range of obstacles . More growth is possible if action is taken now to release the full potential of the Services Directive. On 30 May 2012 the Commission already proposed country-specific recommendations on structural reforms in the services sector for 12 Member States. CONTENT: the present communication sets out the actions that Member States and the Commission should take to ensure that the Directive has the greatest possible impact. It responds to the reporting obligation of the Commission as set out in the Directive, the requests from the European Council and the European Parliament to monitor closely and report on the implementation of the Directive and on the initiatives to improve and reinforce the Single Market for services. Delivering the full effect of the Services Directive : in line with the Communication on Better Governance for the Single Market, we should concentrate our efforts on making what already exists work better . This Communication proposes ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive in particular in services sectors of significant economic importance : · business services representing 11.7% of GDP, · construction representing 6.3% of GDP, · tourism representing 4.4 % of GDP, and · retail representing 4.2% of GDP. “Zero tolerance” policy for non-compliance : the Commission believes that Member States should step up their level of ambition as regards the Services Directive . Any remaining obstacles should be thoroughly assessed as to their economic impact. Member States must commit to make their legislation fully compliant with the Services Directive by putting an end to remaining instances of non-compliance with unequivocal obligations in the Services Directive in their legislation as a matter of urgency. The Commission will apply its zero tolerance policy through infringement procedures, where necessary. Professional services : there are around 800 categories of regulated professions. Discrepancies in regulating professional services have been identified amongst Member States. The effects of these divergences are made worse by cumbersome procedures for the recognition of qualifications. The Commission has put forward a proposal to modernise the legal framework for the mobility of professional services; Member States should adopt it swiftly. Consumers : the Single Market must work for consumers. Businesses should not partition it in an artificial way to the detriment of service recipients. As a matter of priority Member States must enforce national provisions implementing the “non-discrimination” clause which prohibits discrimination against service recipients on the basis of their nationality or country of residence. Particular attention should be given to cases where consumers face higher charges than would be imposed for a domestic transaction when they wish to pay for a service provided in another Member State by credit transfer or direct debit in euro. Consumers should, in principle, no longer be refused supply on the ground that it is impossible to physically deliver goods in another Member State. Similarly, service providers should not rely on mere geographic factors in order to engage in practices that artificially partition markets within the EU single market to the detriment of consumers. Making Single Market rules work on the ground : procedures for the recognition of professional qualifications are long and cumbersome in many Member States. Cross-border services are increasingly provided on line. Despite the simplification introduced by the Services Directive and the E-Commerce Directive, barriers still exist. The Services Directive and other Single Market instruments, such as the Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the E-Commerce Directive, should be applied in a streamlined way . Where necessary, Union law should be modernised to meet specific services' needs and to ensure that the legal framework works effectively on the ground for both service providers and recipients. Sector-specific needs : the performance checks exercise has identified the need to address a number of bottlenecks for growth in specific sectors. In this regard, the Commission: · will aim at ensuring an increased use of mutual recognition clauses in future proposals of sector-specific legislation setting up authorisation schemes for experts providing specialised services ; · will aim at accelerating legislative procedures on measures affecting consumers which are of key importance for the single market for services; · will adopt in 2012 a European Retail Action Plan setting out an EU strategy for this sector ; and will create a High-Level Group on Business-Related Services to study the shortcomings of this particular sector by autumn 2012. · Second generation Points of Single Contact (PSC) : Member States should develop the Points of Single Contact to become fully-fledged e-government tools responding adequately to the needs of service providers and recipients. By the end of 2014, Member States, assisted by the Commission are encouraged to develop the second generation PSCs which should (1) cover all procedures during the business life cycle, (2) be multilingual, and (3) be more user-friendly. The Commission believes that this requires a political commitment by all European institutions and Member States to give the necessary priority to delivering the required actions within the set time-scale. The Commission will work with Member States in a partnership to create new growth and jobs in services and will monitor progress closely in its Annual Growth Survey.
  • date: 2012-09-13T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2013-07-09T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2013-07-19T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A7-2013-273&language=EN title: A7-0273/2013 summary: The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection adopted the own-initiative report by Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT (EPP, SE) on the Internal Market for Services: State of Play and Next Steps. Services’ untapped potential : recalling that the services sector accounts for more than 65 % of EU GDP and total employment and is a pillar of our economy and that services covered by the Services Directive amount to 45 % of EU GDP, Members welcome the Commission Communication and stress the untapped potential of services for growth and jobs. The Commission is asked to focus its efforts on those service sectors that are of great economic importance and have above-average growth potential, such as business services, construction services, tourism services and retail, so as to produce tangible results in the short term for growth and jobs. The report stresses the importance of developing better indicators of Single Market performance. Welcomes the development of the Digital Single Market and also encourages the gradual opening-up of the internal market for services in the welfare sector. Barriers, borders and burdens to free movement : Members regret that there is a significant number of cases identified where Member States are inappropriately invoking overriding reasons of public interest (Article15 of the Services Directive) for the sole purpose of protecting and favouring their domestic market. They consider that the use of overriding reasons of public interest should always be objectively justified and strictly proportionate to the objective pursued, consistent with European Court of Justice (ECJ) case law. The report highlights the fact that burdensome legal and shareholder requirements , territorial restrictions, economic needs tests and fixed tariffs create unjustified obstacles to efficient cross-border establishment and damage the internal market for services. Members ask the Commission to clarify the concept of proportionality and issue practical guidance to the Member States on how to apply it. They urge Member States to apply effectively and fully the freedom to provide services clause (Article16 of the Services Directive) and to remove double regulatory burdens. They call on businesses to refrain from unjustified discriminatory practices on grounds of nationality or place of residence. Smart governance of the internal market for services : Member States are asked to: · take an integrated approach to the internal market for services in order to ensure legal certainty for consumers and business, in particular SMEs; · make greater use of mutual recognition to facilitate the free movement of services, wherever harmonised rules are not yet in place; · upgrade to second-generation Points of Single Contact that are fully functional, multilingual and user-friendly e-government portals. The report asks the Commission to ensure consistency between the peer review under the Services Directive and the mutual evaluation under the Professional Qualifications Directive . It considers that the European Commission and the European standardisation organisations should work in close cooperation in order to ensure, where relevant, coherence in the terminology used so that the rules are applied consistently throughout the EU. It encourages broader use of the IMI-system between Member States to check compliance with the requirements of the directive, in particular in cases of the cross-border provision of service. The report also highlights the fact that inadequate cross-border coverage of insurance for service providers is a major hindrance to free movement. It urges stakeholders to find solutions through dialogue. Better enforcement : Members call on the Commission to assist Member States with the key problems they have identified regarding implementation and application of EU Single Market legislation, including on how to improve transposition and compliance deficits and obtaining fast and efficient judicial redress. They strongly support the Commission’s zero tolerance policy with regard to unjustified restrictions and calls for fast-track infringement procedures to be applied whenever incorrect or insufficient implementation or breaches of the directive by Member States are identified. Strengthening transparency and accountability : the report encourages the Commission to pay particular attention to the services sector in Annual Growth Surveys and to include services in the country-specific recommendations. It calls on the national parliaments to engage actively in supporting the enforcement of the directive and asks the Council and its Presidency to place the internal market for services on the agenda for Competitiveness Council meetings on a regular basis.
  • date: 2013-09-10T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20130910&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2013-09-11T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=23313&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2013-09-11T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2013-366 title: T7-0366/2013 summary: The European Parliament adopted by 366 votes to 292, with 42 abstentions, a resolution on the Internal Market for Services: State of Play and Next Steps, in response to the Commission communication on the implementation of the Services Directive. Members recall that the Services Directive has brought concrete benefits since its adoption in 2006, facilitating market access for both business and consumers, but has not yet yielded all expected results, due to shortcomings in its implementation. Parliament makes the following recommendations: Services’ untapped potential : recalling that the services sector accounts for more than 65 % of EU GDP and total employment and is a pillar of our economy and that services covered by the Services Directive amount to 45 % of EU GDP, Parliament welcomes the Commission Communication and stress the untapped potential of services for growth and jobs. The Commission is asked to focus its efforts on those service sectors that are of great economic importance and have above-average growth potential, such as business services, construction services, tourism services and retail, so as to produce tangible results in the short term for growth and jobs. The resolution stresses the importance of developing better indicators of Single Market performance. It also welcomes the development of the Digital Single Market and also encourages the gradual opening-up of the internal market for services in the welfare sector. Barriers, borders and burdens to free movement : Parliament regrets that there is a significant number of cases identified where Member States are inappropriately invoking overriding reasons of public interest (Article15 of the Services Directive) for the sole purpose of protecting and favouring their domestic market. It considers that the use of overriding reasons of public interest should always be objectively justified and strictly proportionate to the objective pursued, consistent with European Court of Justice (ECJ) case law. The resolution highlights the fact that burdensome legal and shareholder requirements , territorial restrictions, economic needs tests and fixed tariffs create unjustified obstacles to efficient cross-border establishment and damage the internal market for services. Parliament asks the Commission to clarify the concept of proportionality and issue practical guidance to the Member States on how to apply it. It urges Member States to apply effectively and fully the freedom to provide services clause (Article16 of the Services Directive) and to remove double regulatory burdens. Members call on businesses to refrain from unjustified discriminatory practices on grounds of nationality or place of residence. Smart governance of the internal market for services : Member States are asked to: take an integrated approach to the internal market for services in order to ensure legal certainty for consumers and business, in particular SMEs; make greater use of mutual recognition to facilitate the free movement of services, wherever harmonised rules are not yet in place; upgrade to second-generation Points of Single Contact that are fully functional, multilingual and user-friendly e-government portals. The resolution asks the Commission to ensure consistency between the peer review under the Services Directive and the mutual evaluation under the Professional Qualifications Directive . It considers that the European Commission and the European standardisation organisations should work in close cooperation in order to ensure, where relevant, coherence in the terminology used so that the rules are applied consistently throughout the EU. It encourages broader use of the IMI-system between Member States to check compliance with the requirements of the directive, in particular in cases of the cross-border provision of service. Parliament also highlights the fact that inadequate cross-border coverage of insurance for service providers is a major hindrance to free movement. It urges stakeholders to find solutions through dialogue. Better enforcement : Members call on the Commission to assist Member States with the key problems they have identified regarding implementation and application of EU Single Market legislation. They strongly support the Commission’s zero tolerance policy with regard to unjustified restrictions and calls for fast-track infringement procedures to be applied whenever incorrect or insufficient implementation or breaches of the directive by Member States are identified. Strengthening transparency and accountability : Parliament encourages the Commission to pay particular attention to the services sector in Annual Growth Surveys and to include services in the country-specific recommendations. It calls on the national parliaments to engage actively in supporting the enforcement of the directive and asks the Council and its Presidency to place the internal market for services on the agenda for Competitiveness Council meetings on a regular basis.
  • date: 2013-09-11T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
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  • body: EP responsible: False committee: EMPL date: 2012-07-09T00:00:00 committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs rapporteur: group: EPP name: CASA David
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The European Parliament adopted by 366 votes to 292, with 42 abstentions, a resolution on the Internal Market for Services: State of Play and Next Steps, in response to the Commission communication on the implementation of the Services Directive.

Members recall that the Services Directive has brought concrete benefits since its adoption in 2006, facilitating market access for both business and consumers, but has not yet yielded all expected results, due to shortcomings in its implementation. Parliament makes the following recommendations:

Services’ untapped potential: recalling that the services sector accounts for more than 65 % of EU GDP and total employment and is a pillar of our economy and that services covered by the Services Directive amount to 45 % of EU GDP, Parliament welcomes the Commission Communication and stress the untapped potential of services for growth and jobs.

The Commission is asked to focus its efforts on those service sectors that are of great economic importance and have above-average growth potential, such as business services, construction services, tourism services and retail, so as to produce tangible results in the short term for growth and jobs.

The resolution stresses the importance of developing better indicators of Single Market performance.  It also welcomes the development of the Digital Single Market and also encourages the gradual opening-up of the internal market for services in the welfare sector.

Barriers, borders and burdens to free movement: Parliament regrets that there is a significant number of cases identified where Member States are inappropriately invoking overriding reasons of public interest (Article15 of the Services Directive) for the sole purpose of protecting and favouring their domestic market. It considers that the use of overriding reasons of public interest should always be objectively justified and strictly proportionate to the objective pursued, consistent with European Court of Justice (ECJ) case law. The resolution highlights the fact that burdensome legal and shareholder requirements, territorial restrictions, economic needs tests and fixed tariffs create unjustified obstacles to efficient cross-border establishment and damage the internal market for services.

Parliament asks the Commission to clarify the concept of proportionality and issue practical guidance to the Member States on how to apply it. It urges Member States to apply effectively and fully the freedom to provide services clause (Article16 of the Services Directive) and to remove double regulatory burdens. Members call on businesses to refrain from unjustified discriminatory practices on grounds of nationality or place of residence.

Smart governance of the internal market for services: Member States are asked to:

  • take an integrated approach to the internal market for services in order to ensure legal certainty for consumers and business, in particular SMEs;
  • make greater use of mutual recognition to facilitate the free movement of services, wherever harmonised rules are not yet in place;
  • upgrade to second-generation Points of Single Contact that are fully functional, multilingual and user-friendly e-government portals.

The resolution asks the Commission to ensure consistency between the peer review under the Services Directive and the mutual evaluation under the Professional Qualifications Directive. It considers that the European Commission and the European standardisation organisations should work in close cooperation in order to ensure, where relevant, coherence in the terminology used so that the rules are applied consistently throughout the EU. It encourages broader use of the IMI-system between Member States to check compliance with the requirements of the directive, in particular in cases of the cross-border provision of service.

Parliament also highlights the fact that inadequate cross-border coverage of insurance for service providers is a major hindrance to free movement. It urges stakeholders to find solutions through dialogue.

Better enforcement: Members call on the Commission to assist Member States with the key problems they have identified regarding implementation and application of EU Single Market legislation. They strongly support the Commission’s zero tolerance policy with regard to unjustified restrictions and calls for fast-track infringement procedures to be applied whenever incorrect or insufficient implementation or breaches of the directive by Member States are identified.

Strengthening transparency and accountability: Parliament encourages the Commission to pay particular attention to the services sector in Annual Growth Surveys and to include services in the country-specific recommendations. It calls on the national parliaments to engage actively in supporting the enforcement of the directive and asks the Council and its Presidency to place the internal market for services on the agenda for Competitiveness Council meetings on a regular basis.

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  • The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection adopted the own-initiative report by Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT (EPP, SE) on the Internal Market for Services: State of Play and Next Steps.

    Services’ untapped potential: recalling that the services sector accounts for more than 65 % of EU GDP and total employment and is a pillar of our economy and that services covered by the Services Directive amount to 45 % of EU GDP, Members welcome the Commission Communication and stress the untapped potential of services for growth and jobs.

    The Commission is asked to focus its efforts on those service sectors that are of great economic importance and have above-average growth potential, such as business services, construction services, tourism services and retail, so as to produce tangible results in the short term for growth and jobs.

    The report stresses the importance of developing better indicators of Single Market performance.  Welcomes the development of the Digital Single Market and also encourages the gradual opening-up of the internal market for services in the welfare sector.

    Barriers, borders and burdens to free movement: Members regret that there is a significant number of cases identified where Member States are inappropriately invoking overriding reasons of public interest (Article15 of the Services Directive) for the sole purpose of protecting and favouring their domestic market. They consider that the use of overriding reasons of public interest should always be objectively justified and strictly proportionate to the objective pursued, consistent with European Court of Justice (ECJ) case law. The report highlights the fact that burdensome legal and shareholder requirements, territorial restrictions, economic needs tests and fixed tariffs create unjustified obstacles to efficient cross-border establishment and damage the internal market for services.

    Members ask the Commission to clarify the concept of proportionality and issue practical guidance to the Member States on how to apply it. They urge Member States to apply effectively and fully the freedom to provide services clause (Article16 of the Services Directive) and to remove double regulatory burdens. They call on businesses to refrain from unjustified discriminatory practices on grounds of nationality or place of residence.

    Smart governance of the internal market for services: Member States are asked to:

    ·        take an integrated approach to the internal market for services in order to ensure legal certainty for consumers and business, in particular SMEs;

    ·        make greater use of mutual recognition to facilitate the free movement of services, wherever harmonised rules are not yet in place;

    ·        upgrade to second-generation Points of Single Contact that are fully functional, multilingual and user-friendly e-government portals.

    The report asks the Commission to ensure consistency between the peer review under the Services Directive and the mutual evaluation under the Professional Qualifications Directive.

    It considers that the European Commission and the European standardisation organisations should work in close cooperation in order to ensure, where relevant, coherence in the terminology used so that the rules are applied consistently throughout the EU. It encourages broader use of the IMI-system between Member States to check compliance with the requirements of the directive, in particular in cases of the cross-border provision of service.

    The report also highlights the fact that inadequate cross-border coverage of insurance for service providers is a major hindrance to free movement. It urges stakeholders to find solutions through dialogue.

    Better enforcement: Members call on the Commission to assist Member States with the key problems they have identified regarding implementation and application of EU Single Market legislation, including on how to improve transposition and compliance deficits and obtaining fast and efficient judicial redress.

    They strongly support the Commission’s zero tolerance policy with regard to unjustified restrictions and calls for fast-track infringement procedures to be applied whenever incorrect or insufficient implementation or breaches of the directive by Member States are identified.

    Strengthening transparency and accountability: the report encourages the Commission to pay particular attention to the services sector in Annual Growth Surveys and to include services in the country-specific recommendations. It calls on the national parliaments to engage actively in supporting the enforcement of the directive and asks the Council and its Presidency to place the internal market for services on the agenda for Competitiveness Council meetings on a regular basis.

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Old

OBJECTIVE: to propose ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive.

BACKGROUND: the Commission notes the services sector is a significant driver of growth in the EU as it represents more than 65% of EU GDP and employment. A more integrated and better functioning Single Market for services is vital to contribute to the economic recovery of the EU.

All Member States have made significant efforts to implement the Services Directive. They have removed many unjustified barriers and have modernised their regulatory framework applicable to services.

The measures which Member States have adopted to implement the Services Directive is bringing an additional 0.8% of EU GDP over time, with the majority of the effect materializing during the 5-10 years following implementation. Economic analysis has shown that if Member States were to abolish almost all the remaining restrictions, the total economic gain would be more than three times what we have already achieved - about 2.6% of GDP.

However, growth and job creation in the services sector are still hampered by a wide range of obstacles. More growth is possible if action is taken now to release the full potential of the Services Directive.

On 30 May 2012 the Commission already proposed country-specific recommendations on structural reforms in the services sector for 12 Member States.

CONTENT: the present communication sets out the actions that Member States and the Commission should take to ensure that the Directive has the greatest possible impact. It responds to the reporting obligation of the Commission as set out in the Directive, the requests from the European Council and the European Parliament to monitor closely and report on the implementation of the Directive and on the initiatives to improve and reinforce the Single Market for services.

Delivering the full effect of the Services Directive: in line with the Communication on Better Governance for the Single Market, we should concentrate our efforts on making what already exists work better. This Communication proposes ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive in particular in services sectors of significant economic importance:

·        business services representing 11.7% of GDP,

·        construction representing 6.3% of GDP,

·        tourism representing 4.4 % of GDP, and

·        retail representing 4.2% of GDP.

“Zero tolerance” policy for non-compliance: the Commission believes that Member States should step up their level of ambition as regards the Services Directive. Any remaining obstacles should be thoroughly assessed as to their economic impact.

Member States must commit to make their legislation fully compliant with the Services Directive by putting an end to remaining instances of non-compliance with unequivocal obligations in the Services Directive in their legislation as a matter of urgency. The Commission will apply its zero tolerance policy through infringement procedures, where necessary.

Professional services: there are around 800 categories of regulated professions. Discrepancies in regulating professional services have been identified amongst Member States. The effects of these divergences are made worse by cumbersome procedures for the recognition of qualifications. The Commission has put forward a proposal to modernise the legal framework for the mobility of professional services; Member States should adopt it swiftly.

Consumers: the Single Market must work for consumers. Businesses should not partition it in an artificial way to the detriment of service recipients. As a matter of priority Member States must enforce national provisions implementing the “non-discrimination” clause which prohibits discrimination against service recipients on the basis of their nationality or country of residence. Particular attention should be given to cases where consumers face higher charges than would be imposed for a domestic transaction when they wish to pay for a service provided in another Member State by credit transfer or direct debit in euro.

Consumers should, in principle, no longer be refused supply on the ground that it is impossible to physically deliver goods in another Member State. Similarly, service providers should not rely on mere geographic factors in order to engage in practices that artificially partition markets within the EU single market to the detriment of consumers.

Making Single Market rules work on the ground: procedures for the recognition of professional qualifications are long and cumbersome in many Member States. Cross-border services are increasingly provided on line. Despite the simplification introduced by the Services Directive and the E-Commerce Directive, barriers still exist.

The Services Directive and other Single Market instruments, such as the Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the E-Commerce Directive, should be applied in a streamlined way. Where necessary, Union law should be modernised to meet specific services' needs and to ensure that the legal framework works effectively on the ground for both service providers and recipients.

Sector-specific needs: the performance checks exercise has identified the need to address a number of bottlenecks for growth in specific sectors.

In this regard, the Commission:

·        will aim at ensuring an increased use of mutual recognition clauses in future proposals of sector-specific legislation setting up authorisation schemes for experts providing specialised services;

·        will aim at accelerating legislative procedures on measures affecting consumers which are of key importance for the single market for services;

·        will adopt in 2012 a European Retail Action Plan setting out an EU strategy for this sector ; and  will create a High-Level Group on Business-Related Services to study the shortcomings of this particular sector by autumn 2012.

·         Second generation Points of Single Contact (PSC): Member States should develop the Points of Single Contact to become fully-fledged e-government tools responding adequately to the needs of service providers and recipients.

By the end of 2014, Member States, assisted by the Commission are encouraged to develop the second generation PSCs which should (1) cover all procedures during the business life cycle, (2) be multilingual, and (3) be more user-friendly.

The Commission believes that this requires a political commitment by all European institutions and Member States to give the necessary priority to delivering the required actions within the set time-scale. The Commission will work with Member States in a partnership to create new growth and jobs in services and will monitor progress closely in its Annual Growth Survey.

New

OBJECTIVE: to propose ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive.

BACKGROUND: the Commission notes the services sector is a significant driver of growth in the EU as it represents more than 65% of EU GDP and employment. A more integrated and better functioning Single Market for services is vital to contribute to the economic recovery of the EU.

All Member States have made significant efforts to implement the Services Directive. They have removed many unjustified barriers and have modernised their regulatory framework applicable to services.

The measures which Member States have adopted to implement the Services Directive is bringing an additional 0.8% of EU GDP over time, with the majority of the effect materializing during the 5-10 years following implementation. Economic analysis has shown that if Member States were to abolish almost all the remaining restrictions, the total economic gain would be more than three times what we have already achieved - about 2.6% of GDP.

However, growth and job creation in the services sector are still hampered by a wide range of obstacles. More growth is possible if action is taken now to release the full potential of the Services Directive.

On 30 May 2012 the Commission already proposed country-specific recommendations on structural reforms in the services sector for 12 Member States.

CONTENT: the present communication sets out the actions that Member States and the Commission should take to ensure that the Directive has the greatest possible impact. It responds to the reporting obligation of the Commission as set out in the Directive, the requests from the European Council and the European Parliament to monitor closely and report on the implementation of the Directive and on the initiatives to improve and reinforce the Single Market for services.

Delivering the full effect of the Services Directive: in line with the Communication on Better Governance for the Single Market, we should concentrate our efforts on making what already exists work better. This Communication proposes ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive in particular in services sectors of significant economic importance:

·        business services representing 11.7% of GDP,

·        construction representing 6.3% of GDP,

·        tourism representing 4.4 % of GDP, and

·        retail representing 4.2% of GDP.

“Zero tolerance” policy for non-compliance: the Commission believes that Member States should step up their level of ambition as regards the Services Directive. Any remaining obstacles should be thoroughly assessed as to their economic impact.

Member States must commit to make their legislation fully compliant with the Services Directive by putting an end to remaining instances of non-compliance with unequivocal obligations in the Services Directive in their legislation as a matter of urgency. The Commission will apply its zero tolerance policy through infringement procedures, where necessary.

Professional services: there are around 800 categories of regulated professions. Discrepancies in regulating professional services have been identified amongst Member States. The effects of these divergences are made worse by cumbersome procedures for the recognition of qualifications. The Commission has put forward a proposal to modernise the legal framework for the mobility of professional services; Member States should adopt it swiftly.

Consumers: the Single Market must work for consumers. Businesses should not partition it in an artificial way to the detriment of service recipients. As a matter of priority Member States must enforce national provisions implementing the “non-discrimination” clause which prohibits discrimination against service recipients on the basis of their nationality or country of residence. Particular attention should be given to cases where consumers face higher charges than would be imposed for a domestic transaction when they wish to pay for a service provided in another Member State by credit transfer or direct debit in euro.

Consumers should, in principle, no longer be refused supply on the ground that it is impossible to physically deliver goods in another Member State. Similarly, service providers should not rely on mere geographic factors in order to engage in practices that artificially partition markets within the EU single market to the detriment of consumers.

Making Single Market rules work on the ground: procedures for the recognition of professional qualifications are long and cumbersome in many Member States. Cross-border services are increasingly provided on line. Despite the simplification introduced by the Services Directive and the E-Commerce Directive, barriers still exist.

The Services Directive and other Single Market instruments, such as the Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the E-Commerce Directive, should be applied in a streamlined way. Where necessary, Union law should be modernised to meet specific services' needs and to ensure that the legal framework works effectively on the ground for both service providers and recipients.

Sector-specific needs: the performance checks exercise has identified the need to address a number of bottlenecks for growth in specific sectors.

In this regard, the Commission:

·        will aim at ensuring an increased use of mutual recognition clauses in future proposals of sector-specific legislation setting up authorisation schemes for experts providing specialised services;

·        will aim at accelerating legislative procedures on measures affecting consumers which are of key importance for the single market for services;

·        will adopt in 2012 a European Retail Action Plan setting out an EU strategy for this sector ; and  will create a High-Level Group on Business-Related Services to study the shortcomings of this particular sector by autumn 2012.

·         Second generation Points of Single Contact (PSC): Member States should develop the Points of Single Contact to become fully-fledged e-government tools responding adequately to the needs of service providers and recipients.

By the end of 2014, Member States, assisted by the Commission are encouraged to develop the second generation PSCs which should (1) cover all procedures during the business life cycle, (2) be multilingual, and (3) be more user-friendly.

The Commission believes that this requires a political commitment by all European institutions and Member States to give the necessary priority to delivering the required actions within the set time-scale. The Commission will work with Member States in a partnership to create new growth and jobs in services and will monitor progress closely in its Annual Growth Survey.

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  • OBJECTIVE: to propose ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive.

    BACKGROUND: the Commission notes the services sector is a significant driver of growth in the EU as it represents more than 65% of EU GDP and employment. A more integrated and better functioning Single Market for services is vital to contribute to the economic recovery of the EU.

    All Member States have made significant efforts to implement the Services Directive. They have removed many unjustified barriers and have modernised their regulatory framework applicable to services.

    The measures which Member States have adopted to implement the Services Directive is bringing an additional 0.8% of EU GDP over time, with the majority of the effect materializing during the 5-10 years following implementation. Economic analysis has shown that if Member States were to abolish almost all the remaining restrictions, the total economic gain would be more than three times what we have already achieved - about 2.6% of GDP.

    However, growth and job creation in the services sector are still hampered by a wide range of obstacles. More growth is possible if action is taken now to release the full potential of the Services Directive.

    On 30 May 2012 the Commission already proposed country-specific recommendations on structural reforms in the services sector for 12 Member States.

    CONTENT: the present communication sets out the actions that Member States and the Commission should take to ensure that the Directive has the greatest possible impact. It responds to the reporting obligation of the Commission as set out in the Directive, the requests from the European Council and the European Parliament to monitor closely and report on the implementation of the Directive and on the initiatives to improve and reinforce the Single Market for services.

    Delivering the full effect of the Services Directive: in line with the Communication on Better Governance for the Single Market, we should concentrate our efforts on making what already exists work better. This Communication proposes ways forward to maximise the economic effect of the Services Directive in particular in services sectors of significant economic importance:

    ·        business services representing 11.7% of GDP,

    ·        construction representing 6.3% of GDP,

    ·        tourism representing 4.4 % of GDP, and

    ·        retail representing 4.2% of GDP.

    “Zero tolerance” policy for non-compliance: the Commission believes that Member States should step up their level of ambition as regards the Services Directive. Any remaining obstacles should be thoroughly assessed as to their economic impact.

    Member States must commit to make their legislation fully compliant with the Services Directive by putting an end to remaining instances of non-compliance with unequivocal obligations in the Services Directive in their legislation as a matter of urgency. The Commission will apply its zero tolerance policy through infringement procedures, where necessary.

    Professional services: there are around 800 categories of regulated professions. Discrepancies in regulating professional services have been identified amongst Member States. The effects of these divergences are made worse by cumbersome procedures for the recognition of qualifications. The Commission has put forward a proposal to modernise the legal framework for the mobility of professional services; Member States should adopt it swiftly.

    Consumers: the Single Market must work for consumers. Businesses should not partition it in an artificial way to the detriment of service recipients. As a matter of priority Member States must enforce national provisions implementing the “non-discrimination” clause which prohibits discrimination against service recipients on the basis of their nationality or country of residence. Particular attention should be given to cases where consumers face higher charges than would be imposed for a domestic transaction when they wish to pay for a service provided in another Member State by credit transfer or direct debit in euro.

    Consumers should, in principle, no longer be refused supply on the ground that it is impossible to physically deliver goods in another Member State. Similarly, service providers should not rely on mere geographic factors in order to engage in practices that artificially partition markets within the EU single market to the detriment of consumers.

    Making Single Market rules work on the ground: procedures for the recognition of professional qualifications are long and cumbersome in many Member States. Cross-border services are increasingly provided on line. Despite the simplification introduced by the Services Directive and the E-Commerce Directive, barriers still exist.

    The Services Directive and other Single Market instruments, such as the Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications and the E-Commerce Directive, should be applied in a streamlined way. Where necessary, Union law should be modernised to meet specific services' needs and to ensure that the legal framework works effectively on the ground for both service providers and recipients.

    Sector-specific needs: the performance checks exercise has identified the need to address a number of bottlenecks for growth in specific sectors.

    In this regard, the Commission:

    ·        will aim at ensuring an increased use of mutual recognition clauses in future proposals of sector-specific legislation setting up authorisation schemes for experts providing specialised services;

    ·        will aim at accelerating legislative procedures on measures affecting consumers which are of key importance for the single market for services;

    ·        will adopt in 2012 a European Retail Action Plan setting out an EU strategy for this sector ; and  will create a High-Level Group on Business-Related Services to study the shortcomings of this particular sector by autumn 2012.

    ·         Second generation Points of Single Contact (PSC): Member States should develop the Points of Single Contact to become fully-fledged e-government tools responding adequately to the needs of service providers and recipients.

    By the end of 2014, Member States, assisted by the Commission are encouraged to develop the second generation PSCs which should (1) cover all procedures during the business life cycle, (2) be multilingual, and (3) be more user-friendly.

    The Commission believes that this requires a political commitment by all European institutions and Member States to give the necessary priority to delivering the required actions within the set time-scale. The Commission will work with Member States in a partnership to create new growth and jobs in services and will monitor progress closely in its Annual Growth Survey.

activities/3/committees/3/shadows/3
group
NI
name
SALVINI Matteo
committees/3/shadows/3
group
NI
name
SALVINI Matteo
activities/3/committees/3/shadows/1
group
ALDE
name
LØKKEGAARD Morten
committees/3/shadows/1
group
ALDE
name
LØKKEGAARD Morten
activities/3
date
2012-09-13T00:00:00
body
EP
type
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
committees
procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
IMCO/7/09992
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Preparatory phase in Parliament
New
Awaiting Parliament 1st reading / single reading / budget 1st stage
activities
  • body: EP date: 2012-06-08T00:00:00 type: Date
  • date: 2012-06-08T00:00:00 docs: url: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2012&nu_doc=261 celexid: CELEX:52012DC0261:EN type: Non-legislative basic document published title: COM(2012)0261 body: EC type: Non-legislative basic document commission: DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/internal_market/ title: Internal Market and Services Commissioner: BARNIER Michel
  • body: EP date: 2012-09-06T00:00:00 type: EP officialisation
committees
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Economic and Monetary Affairs committee: ECON
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Employment and Social Affairs committee: EMPL
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Environment, Public Health and Food Safety committee: ENVI
  • body: EP shadows: group: S&D name: RAPTI Sylvana group: ECR name: HARBOUR Malcolm responsible: True committee: IMCO date: 2012-05-08T00:00:00 committee_full: Internal Market and Consumer Protection rapporteur: group: EPP name: CORAZZA BILDT Anna Maria
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy committee: ITRE
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Regional Development committee: REGI
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Transport and Tourism committee: TRAN
links
other
  • body: EC dg: url: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/internal_market/ title: Internal Market and Services commissioner: BARNIER Michel
procedure
reference
2012/2144(INI)
title
Internal Market for services: state of play and next steps
legal_basis
Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 048
stage_reached
Preparatory phase in Parliament
subtype
Strategic initiative
type
INI - Own-initiative procedure
subject
2.40 Free movement of services, freedom to provide