Press Release: Professional qualifications: Commission welcomes adoption of simplification Directive

The European Commission welcomed the adoption, on 26.2.01, of the European Parliament and Council Directive simplifying existing rules on the recognition of professional qualifications. The Directive amends 14 existing Directives in the field of recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications concerning inter alia general care nurses, dentists, veterinary surgeons, midwives, pharmacists, doctors and architects. It will oblige Member States to take rapid decisions on requests for recognition of qualifications and to take account of professional experience gained in other Member States. It will also considerably facilitate and speed up the updating of lists of diplomas, certificates and titles eligible for automatic recognition within professions covered by the Directives. Member States must implement the Directive by 1 January 2003.