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A European Professional Card in the pipeline?

The European Commission is setting up a Steering Group on a European Professional Card and has invited CEPI to take part in it. The invitation gives recognition to CEPI’s ongoing efforts to engage in a constructive dialogue with DG Internal Market to follow up and implement the current Directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications (currently under revision).

The idea of a professional card has been raised by Commissioner Barnier as part of the 50 proposals laid down in the Single Market Act. It is one element also in the revision of the Directive on Recognition of the Professional Qualifications which aims at simplifying the existing rules to the benefit of individual citizens, integrating professions into the Single Market and injecting more confidence into the system. The aim of the group is to explore challenges of a European professional card, its practicability and the ways it can be used.

The group constitution is quite unique in that it has representatives of professional bodies, trade unions and civil servants. Together they accompany the European Commission in developing thoughts and proposals that will be integrated in a Green Paper on the Professional Qualifications Directive: a way forward to a possible reform, foreseen for the Autumn 2011.

CEPI is particularly glad to be invited to participate in the Group and to be given the opportunity to contribute actively, in close collaboration with our national member associations, in the reflection about the opportunity and feasibility of such a card.
19/01/2011