Article

16 June 08

From the Brussels office

Updates on implementation of the directives on professional qualifications; and the official opening of the new Brussels office

Action against UK on professionals

The European Commission is determined to see that all member states swiftly implement Directive 2006/100, which adapts the other directives on professional qualifications in light of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007. Following last month’s clampdown against eight other countries, the Commission has now taken both Portugal and the UK to the Court of Justice. The failure to implement the directive is affecting the speed with which professionals, including lawyers, holding qualifications from Bulgaria and Romania can freely exercise their right to work anywhere in the EU.

Official opening for new office

This month marks the official opening of the new Law Societies’ Joint Brussels Office, situated in the heart of the EU district, close to the Schuman area. The premises are shared with the German Federal Bar, the Austrian Bar, the French and German Speaking Order of the Belgian Bar and the Associations of German Architects and German Engineers. The Bar Council of England and Wales has also recently joined the office.

The new office includes conference and seminar rooms and also hot-desking facilities for the occasional business trip to Brussels. For more information, see Journal, January, 30.

FILLER_lawscotjobs (link opens in new window)