Press Release: Freedom of establishment: infringement proceedings against Austria

The European Commission has decided to formally request Austria to modify its Animal Breeding law, which in the Commission’s view contains conditions that hinder the provision in Austria (Tyrol and Salzburg provinces) of bovine artificial insemination services by foreign artificial insemination stations. This decision takes the form of a reasoned opinion, the second stage of the infringement procedure laid down in Article 226 of the EC Treaty. The Commission has also decided, under Article 228 of the EC Treaty, to send a letter of formal notice asking Austria for full information on its implementation of a European Court of Justice judgement concerning the provision of services by foreign boiler inspection bodies in Austria.