Press Release: Internal Market: Commission refers France to Court of Justice over restrictions on provision of services by networks of audit firms

The European Commission decided to refer France to the European Court of Justice over its national independence rules relating to international networks of audit firms. The Commission considers that Articles 24 and 29 of the 2005 French Code of Ethics for auditors unduly restrict the freedom to provide services as guaranteed by Article 49 of the Treaty. This follows a reasoned opinion sent in October 2007, after which the French authorities failed to amend the relevant Articles accordingly.