Press Release: Free movement of services: Commission inquires into restrictions on gambling services in Germany

The European Commission decided on 31 January, 2008, to send to Germany an official request for information on national legislation restricting the supply of gambling services. The Commission wished to verify whether the measures in question are compatible with Articles 43, 49 and 56 of the EC Treaty. This decision relates only to the compatibility of the national measures in question with existing EU law. It does not have any implications for the liberalisation of the market for gambling services generally, or for the entitlement of Member States to seek to protect the general interest, so long as this is done in a manner consistent with EU law i.e. that any measures are necessary, proportionate and non-discriminatory. The letter of formal notice is the first step in an infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. Germany has two months in which to respond. The Commission hopes that the answers it receives will lead to an early and satisfactory resolution of the matter.