Liberals and Democrats backed EP compromise on services as a step towards completing Internal Market

1.03.24pm GMT Thu 16th Feb 2006

Graham Watson MEP, ALDE group leader underlined the importance of the confirmation by commissioner McCreevy during the debate on Tuesday this week that "there can be no going back on Treaty provisions or ECJ jurisprudence".

"Though not an ideal outcome, today's approval by Parliament for a Directive on Services will boost economic growth, consumer choice and worker mobility in the EU. The principle objective was the removal of discriminatory obstacles to the provision of cross-border services within the EU. Although a number of sectors have been excluded by the conservative/socialist compromise deal which will reduce the benefits of the Directive, it nevertheless represents a step forward."

"Unholy alliances between left and right normally produce sub-optimal results. The socialist claim to victory rings hollow since the core of the country of origin principle, which lies at the heart of the Single Market remains in all but name - that is that service providers legally established in any Member State cannot be prevented from exercising their activity anywhere in the EU."

"Although the Directive now makes no reference to the posting of workers, we expect the Commission to uphold its commitment to reviewing the 1996 Directive to ensure that Member States remove all obstacles to the free movement of workers in the EU, whatever Member State they come from."

"The ALDE will work constructively to improve this Directive at second reading."

Anneli Jaateenmaaki, ALDE shadow on the services dossier commented:

"Adoption of this controversial Directive by Parliament today is an achievement in itself. Parliament has set aside its differences in the interests of Europe and completion of the Internal Market. The way is now open for a more dynamic economy and greater opportunity for employment."