palveludirektiivissä

The Services Directive, officially Directive 2006/123/EC, is a European Union law designed to simplify the free movement of services within the internal market. Its primary objective is to remove barriers that hinder service providers from operating in other Member States, thereby promoting economic growth and consumer choice. The directive covers a wide range of service sectors, excluding certain areas like financial services, healthcare, and transport services, which are subject to separate EU legislation.

Key provisions of the Services Directive include the abolition of discriminatory or unjustified requirements that Member States may impose on service providers from other EU countries. This includes things like requiring a provider to have a physical establishment in the host country if it is not strictly necessary for the provision of the service, or imposing burdensome administrative procedures. The directive also mandates the establishment of 'point of single contact' (PSC) facilities in each Member State. These PSCs serve as one-stop shops for service providers, offering information and administrative assistance for cross-border operations.

Furthermore, the Services Directive introduced principles such as the country of origin principle for certain aspects of service provision, although its application is limited. It also aims to enhance administrative cooperation between Member States to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the directive. The goal is to create a more integrated and competitive services market across the EU, benefiting both businesses and consumers.