FREEDOM OF ESTABLISHMENT AND PROVISION OF SERVICES : SEVERAL COUNTRIES OUT OF LINE WITH EU RULES.

• Position: European Union

The European Commission announced on 13 December that it was pursuing infringement procedures against a number of member states violating EU rules on freedom of establishment (Article 43 of the EC Treaty) and the provision of services (Articles 43 and 49 of the Treaty).

Portugal is asked in a reasoned opinion to amend its rules on the granting of authorisations to bodies of other member states wishing to carry on vehicle inspection activities in Portugal.

The Commission has decided to send Italy a reasoned opinion requesting that it modify its legislation restricting the activities of companies involved in gas and electricity distribution. The Italian Act prohibits businesses in the energy distribution sector from also offering other - after-meter' - services dealing with the maintenance, repair and installation of energy appliances such as boilers for...