Press Release: Free movement of services: infringement proceedings against France

The Commission has taken action to put an end to obstacles to the free movement of services in France. It has decided to refer France to the European Court of Justice over its legislation which requires chief architects of historical monuments to be of French nationality. The Commission has also decided, under Article 228 of the EC Treaty, to send a letter of formal notice asking France for full information on its execution of a 2006 Court judgement concerning restrictions on performing artists' agencies and self-employed performing artists that wish to work in France. In addition, the Commission has decided to send formal requests to France to modify its legislation which restricts the ability of sworn translators to work in France, and to modify its legislation on ownership of biological analysis laboratories. The formal requests take the form of “reasoned opinions”, 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.