Call for changes to services directive

German Socialist MEP Evelyne Gebhardt remains determined to push through supposedly consumer-friendly amendments to the services directive, despite calls from centre-right MEPs and industry to preserve the compromise reached by member states in July.

The 11 changes, which she describes as technical tweaks, are to be voted on by the European Parliament’s internal market and consumer protection committee on 23 October. In total 43 amendments are being proposed. None has been put forward by centre-right or liberal MEPs.

Carlos Almaraz, senior adviser with UNICE, the European employers’ federation, said: "Parliament already got 90% of what they wanted. They [MEPs] might put everything in danger. We are certain that if we open the debate, we will open a Pandora’s box."

Gebhardt is set to meet European Commission and Council of Ministers officials before the vote to discuss a new compromise that might accommodate her amendments.

The full Parliament is to vote on the directive, which is at second reading stage, in November.

German Socialist MEP Evelyne Gebhardt remains determined to push through supposedly consumer-friendly amendments to the services directive, despite calls from centre-right MEPs and industry to preserve the compromise reached by member states in July.