The hearing focused on two main elements: how to remove barriers and unleash growth in services and how to maximise the economic effects for consumers and businesses, keeping up with innovation. Stakeholders representing business, academia, consumers and trade unions provided input on a number of subjects and entered into a lively debate with Committee Members.
There was a broad consensus that a better implementation of the Services Directive could have a significant impact on the creation of jobs and growth, by bringing both domestic and EU-level reform of the services sector. As the rapporteur, Mrs Corazza-Bildt, stated, the EU could gain up to 2,6% of GDP over the next 5 to 10 years if the Services Directive were enforced properly. As experts and members stressed, however, it was equally important to ensure a good interplay with other pieces of legislation affecting the services sector, such as the recognition of professional qualifications, the eCommerce Directive and matters governing the posting of workers. Other points emphasised include the importance to overcome remaining barriers, to ensure the single market works effectively for consumers and to move towards 2nd generation "Points of Single Contact". Several MEPs also voiced concerns about social aspects and workers rights in relation to the services sector and urged MEPs not to overlook the social dimension in our efforts to overcome the crisis.
Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP