Statement from the European Sectoral Professions

PATIENTS AND CONSUMERS AT RISK:
MODERNISATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS DIRECTIVE CARRIES DANGERS SAY THE EUROPEAN SECTORAL PROFESSIONS

15 March 2011: The representative umbrella organisations of European sectoral professions issued a joint statement, expressing serious concern about the risks posed by the modernisation of the Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications (2005/36/EC).

by: Noel Harrington. on 15-03-2011

The European Commission is currently conducting an evaluation of the Directive that is widely expected to modernise the mechanisms in the current system. Today marks the end of the public consultation period.

The Directive establishes the rules for mutual recognition of qualifications of professionals in the Single Market. For seven, so-called sectoral professions (doctors, nurses, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists, architects and midwives) recognition of qualifications is automatic, provided they satisfy minimum conditions of training harmonized through the Directive. This approach has been in place for more than 25 years and has proved to be highly effective for both professionals and the interests of patients, clients and consumers.

The representatives of the professions are concerned that the modernisation of the Directive will be unduly influenced by the current economic crisis, thus aimed at quick and large-scale production of graduates who will be prematurely dumped on the market. Consequently, the European sectoral professions demand that the European Commission ensures the continued respect of principles of high quality of professional education and training in the Directive 2005/36/EC and to continue to restrict mutual automatic recognition of qualifications to persons who have completed a full course of study satisfying minimum conditions of training stipulated by the Directive.

Signatories represent the following organisations:

Architects Council of Europe (ACE)
The Architects' Council of Europe (ACE) is the European organisation representing the architectural profession at European level with its headquarters and Secretariat located in Brussels. Its President for 2011 is Mrs. Selma Harrington from Ireland. Its growing membership consists of member organisations, which are the nationally representative regulatory and professional bodies of all European Union (EU) Member States, Accession States, Switzerland and Norway. Through them, it represents the interests of about 520,000 architects. The principal function of the ACE is to monitor developments at EU level, seeking to influence those areas of EU Policy and legislation that have an impact on architectural practice and on the overall quality and sustainability of the built environment.
For more information, go to www.ace-cae.eu or contact us at info@ace-cae.eu

Council of European Dentists (CED)
The Council of European Dentists (CED) is the representative organisation of the dental profession in the European Union, representing over 327,000 practising dentists from 32 national dental associations in 30 European countries. Established in 1961 to advise the European Commission on matters relating to the dental profession, the CED promotes high standards of oral healthcare and effective patient-safety centred professional practice across Europe and contributes to the safeguarding and the protection of public health.
For more information, go to www.eudental.eu or contact us at ced@eudental.eu

European Federation of Nurses Associations (EFN)
The European Federation of Nurses Associations (EFN) was established in 1971. The EFN represents over 34 National Nurses Associations and its work has an effect on the daily work of 6
million nurses throughout the European Union and Europe. The EFN is the independent voice of the nursing profession and its mission is to strengthen the status and practice of the profession of nursing for the benefit of the health of the citizens and the interests of nurses in the EU & Europe.
For more information, go to www.efnweb.eu or contact us at efn@efn.be

European Midwives Association (EMA)
The European Midwives Association is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation of midwives, representing midwifery organisations and associations from the member states of the European Union, European Economic Area, EU applicant countries and the Council of Europe. EMA has a role in promoting women’s general and reproductive health, strengthening the status and the practice of the midwifery profession and acting as a liaison for the full and associated members with the EU, the Council of Europe and other institutions at European level.
For more information, go to www.europeanmidwives.eu or contact us at cmesschendorp@knov.nl

Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE)
The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe is an umbrella organisation of veterinary organisations from 38 European countries. FVE also represent 4 vibrant sections, each of which representing key groups within our profession: practitioners (UEVP), hygienists (UEVH), Veterinary State Officers (EASVO) and veterinarians in education, research and industry (EVERI). FVE strives to promote animal health, animal welfare and public health across Europe. Together with its members, FVE aims to support veterinarians in delivering their professional responsibilities at the best possible level, recognised and valued by society.
For more information, go to www.fve.org or contact us at info@fve.org

Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU)
The Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU) is the European association representing more than 400,000 community pharmacists. PGEU’s members are the national associations and professional bodies of pharmacists in 31 European countries, including EU Member States, EEA members and EU applicant countries.
For more information, go to www.pgeu.eu or contact us at pharmacy@pgeu.eu

Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME)
The CPME is the representative organisation of European doctors through its full members, the most representative National Medical Associations of 27 countries in Europe. CPME works closely together with its other members, four National Medical Associations from associated and observer countries as well as with specialized European medical associations. CPME aims to promote the highest standards of medical training and medical practice in order to achieve the highest quality of health care for all patients in Europe. CPME is also concerned with the promotion of public health, the relationship between patients and doctors and the free movement of doctors within the European Union.
For more information, go to www.cpme.eu or contact us at secretariat@cpme.eu

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	Joint Statement of the European Sectoral Professions