The European Commission on Friday decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Germany and sent a reasoned opinion to Belgium, Cyprus and Romania for incorrect transposition of the Professional Qualifications Directive 2005/36/EC, write Agerpres.

According to a press release issued by the European Commission, the directive facilitates the professional mobility and recognition of qualifications across the borders. These EU rules play an essential part in addressing the shortages of skilled labour across the EU. This is especially true for healthcare which has been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, by helping to better reallocate skilled professionals where needed.

The Romanian case concerns the heavy restriction on veterinarians to provide their services on a temporary basis from another EU member state, since Romanian law requires veterinarians to obtain a prior authorisation by the relevant professional chamber before being allowed to provide temporary services.

The German case addresses obstacles to the recognition of the professional qualifications of midwives.

As regards Belgium, it concerns the imposition of excessive language requirements for teaching professionals seeking to work in the French Community, which severely limits the possibility of foreign teachers to work in Belgium.

Concerning Cyprus, the infringement case addresses the obligation of residence in Cyprus for lawyers who wish to provide their services there, even though residence requirements are prohibited under EU rules.

Belgium, Germany, Cyprus and Romania now have two months to respond to the arguments raised by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may send a reasoned opinion to Germany or refer Belgium, Cyprus and Romania to the Court of Justice of the European Union.