Press Release: Free movement of services: Commission takes action against United Kingdom (recognition of medical prescriptions) and Portugal (construction services)

The European Commission has taken action to put an end to certain obstacles to the free movement of services in the United Kingdom and Portugal. The Commission will send the United Kingdom a supplementary reasoned opinion concerning its legislation on the recognition of medical prescriptions. The Commission will also send Portugal a reasoned opinion concerning its legislation on construction services. Reasoned opinions are the second stage of the infringement procedure laid down in Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If there is no satisfactory reply within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.