A new professional qualifications regime for Europe : The EU for growth and jobs

In all EU countries, there are certain professions that can only be carried out if the person holds the relevant professional qualifications. This is true for doctors in all EU countries and can include architects, engineers, electricians or teachers in certain countries. There are rules in place that allow professional qualifications to be recognised throughout the EU. This gives professionals the opportunity to work permanently or temporarily in other EU countries. This is important for facilitating access across the single market. The rules in place have recently been updated with the support of the European Parliament and of the Council and the new framework will come into force in January 2016. The revised Professional Qualifications Directive will make it easier for professionals to move around the EU and strengthen safeguards for consumers and patients