The aim of the services directive is to remove the barriers to trade in services. In practice, it simplified the administrative procedures for service providers, enhanced the rights of consumers and businesses receiving services, and fostered cooperation among EU countries.
This quick guide summarises the main pillars of the services directive for all services falling under its scope.
The Points of Single Contact are one-stop-shops for service providers to get information and complete administrative formalities online in all EU countries.
To enhance the rights of services recipients and strengthen their confidence in the internal market, EU countries have to
In February 2015, the Commission organised the Conference, 'Buying services everywhere in the single market' to discuss Article 20(2) of the services directive with stakeholders. For further information about the conference, please see the meeting documents.
For this purpose, the European Commission in cooperation with EU countries established an electronic system for the exchange of information (IMI).