| Author (Person) | McLauchlin, Anna |
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| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.12, No.5, 9.2.06 |
| Publication Date | 09/02/2006 |
| Content Type | News |
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By Anna McLauchlin Date: 09/02/06 The European Parliament will vote on the controversial EU services directive in Strasbourg on Thursday (16 February) with question marks still hanging over the final shape of the law. Compromise amendments were put forward yesterday (8 February) on the most contentious point - the freedom to provide a service anywhere in the EU - but the new deal may still not satisfy either side. While the centre-left wanted cross-border service providers to be regulated by the authorities in the country in which the service was offered, the centre-right had insisted that the member state of origin be responsible. Under the compromise reached by the two biggest groups in Parliament, service providers will abide by the rules of the country in which they are operating provided that these are "non-discriminatory, necessary and proportionate". Sectors to be covered by the new law are also left undecided. The left is still gunning for the exclusion of all privatised public services while the right has only accepted excluding temporary work agencies, security work and - partially - social services. Negotiations have also been complicated by a divide between the old member states keen to protect their services industry and new member states eager to take advantage of new markets - a divide which could upset the hard-won compromises. Preview of the 1st reading debate and vote in the plenary session of the European Parliament, 14 February 2006, of the proposed Services Directive |
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| Source Link | http://www.european-voice.com/ |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry, Internal Markets |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
