Press Release: Freedom of establishment : The Commission asks Spain to amend its legislation governing large-scale distributors

The Commission has formally requested Spain to remove obstacles to freedom of establishment in the field of distribution services by amending its rules at national level and the rules of one of its autonomous communities concerning the establishment of commercial premises which the Commission considers to have a particularly restrictive effect. This formal request takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion', which is the second stage in the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the Court of Justice.