European Commission EPRS assessment of Directive 2005/36/EC in the EU; SPI to boost cross-border recognition
European Commission EPRS assessment of Directive 2005/36/EC in the EU; SPI to boost cross-border recognition Skills portability initiative – Key findings on the implementation of Directive 2005/36/EC Briefing Implementation Appraisal EPRS | European Parliamentary Research Service Skills portability initiative – Key findings on the implementation of Directive 2005/36/EC Nora Hahnkamper-Vandenbulcke with Matteo Ricotta Published: August 2026 | Document number: PE 774.743 In this briefing • Background and existing EU policy framework • European Commission reports and consultations in preparation of the initiative • European Parliament position and oversight activities • Views of the European Court of Auditors (ECA) • Views of EU advisory bodies and agencies • Expert and stakeholder views This briefing is one in a series of implementation appraisals produced by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) on the operation of existing EU legislation in practice. Each briefing focuses on a specific EU law that is announced to be amended or reviewed in the European Commission’s annual work programme. Implementation appraisals aim at providing a succinct overview of publicly available material on the implementation, application and effectiveness to date of that specific EU law, drawing on input from EU institutions and bodies, as well as external organisations. Key findings Labour mobility is a cornerstone of European integration. As one of the four fundamental freedoms of the single market, EU citizens have the right to move, live and work freely in another Member State. The recognition of professional qualifications, governed by Directive 2005/36/EC (the Professional Qualifications Directive or PQD), plays a central role in supporting the free movement of workers and services. By establishing a common framework, it has enabled EU citizens to access labour markets in other countries more easily, thereby facilitating cross-border mobility. This has been particularly important for regulated professions where access is subject to different national rules. Despite several revisions over the past decade, an assessment conducted by the European Commission in February 2026 identified persistent challenges in the directive’s effectiveness and implementation. Besides complex and lengthy recognition procedures, these include limited use of EN ...