Approach to Qualifications The EU has introduced sector-specific and general qualifications legislation in relation to recognising diplomas, qualifications, and equivalent awards. There are two different approaches to the harmonisation of diplomas and qualifications. The first approach involves specific rules for sectors. There are specific directives which have been made law throughout the European Union covering […]
Overview A practical issue which arises in exercising the right to establish in another member state is the recognition of qualifications. In 2005 the EU adopted a general Qualifications Directive on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. The Directive applies to regulated professional activities. The recognition of professional qualifications under EU law has been modernised […]
Comparison The Qualifications Directive requires the EU Member States to establish a procedure to examine and recognise professional qualifications. The host state must compare the migrant’s qualifications and abilities with those required by the national system. It allows the application of compensatory measures by the host state if there are substantial differences between the training […]
European Union Rights European Union law gives Irish residents and Irish businesses very valuable rights in relation to trading with the United Kingdom and the other countries of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) (which is the EU plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland). The original European Union Treaties granted rights to trade […]
Customs Union The European Union Treaties created a customs union between the member states. It applies to all trade in goods which have monetary value and are the subject of commercial transactions. Goods for the purpose of the customs union includes everything capable of having value and being exchanged. What goods are supplied ancillary to […]
Direct Discrimination EU states may not impose, directly or indirectly on the products of other states, any internal taxation of a kind in excess of that imposed directly or internally on similar domestic products. They may not impose on products of other member states any internal taxation which affords indirect protection to other products. Taxation […]
Barriers to Trade The European Union treaty prohibits quantitative restrictions and measures having equivalent effect between member states. This applies both to imports and exports. Certain limited exceptions, based on narrow public policy considerations, apply. The prohibition applies to measures taken by member states. This includes not only laws and binding rules, but also administrative […]
The CAP There are import and export controls and duties designed to maintain the single market in various agricultural products under the Common Agricultural Policy. CAP controls and duties apply when goods enter or leave the European Union. They do not generally apply to trade within the EU. CAP goods include food, agricultural and horticultural […]