Reform of services notification procedure

Briefing 31-08-2017

The 2006 Services Directive requires Member States to notify the European Commission of changes to national rules on services, providing the EU executive and other Member States with the opportunity to examine potential incompatibility with EU legislation early in the process. Based on its own assessments and public consultation, the Commission proposed in January 2017 to reform the current procedure in order to address various shortcomings identified in the preparatory process. The new procedure seeks to allow intervention by the Commission or other Member States before the law is adopted. The Council reached its general position in May 2017 proposing a number of modifications with regard to the scope, timing and requirements concerning the Member States and the Commission. The rapporteur published his draft report on 19 June 2017 and a deadline for amendments has been set for 6 September 2017. First edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.