Press Release: Free movement of services: infringement proceedings against Austria, Spain and the United Kingdom

The European Commission has taken action to put an end to obstacles to the free movement of services in Austria, Spain and the United Kingdom. The Commission has decided, under Article 228 of the EC Treaty, to send a letter of formal notice asking Luxembourg for full information on its implementation of a European Court of Justice judgment concerning the posting of workers from non-EU countries. The Commission has also decided, under Article 228 of the EC Treaty, to send Spain a further reasoned opinion requesting it to comply immediately with a Court judgment concerning private security services. Finally, the Commission has sent a formal request to the United Kingdom concerning the recognition by pharmacies of prescriptions from other Member States. This formal request takes the form of a "reasoned opinion", the second stage of the infringement procedure laid down in Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.