The outcome of the negotiations were welcomed as a better balance between the need to safeguard health and the economic objectives of the Directive than the Commission proposal. While not fully addressing our concerns, the proposal for a Directive on a proportionality test recognises the special nature of health professions and ensures a sufficient margin of discretion to Member States to guarantee the highest level of human health protection when regulating health professions.

As CED President Dr Marco Landi states “I welcome the decision to refer to Member States’ commitment to ensure a high level of human health protection when it comes to the regulation of healthcare professions, which are also among the most mobile professions in Europe. As we have repeatedly stated, when it comes to patient safety, economic concerns are secondary. ”

PGEU President Jesús Aguilar Santamaría adds that “Member States must ensure access to high quality health care services and safe supply of medicines according to the public health needs of their national demographic, geographical and cultural realities. We believe this compromise will allow Member States to continue protecting public health.”

CPME President Dr Jacques de Haller concludes that “this result is a clear confirmation that Member States can continue to put patient safety first. We now look to Member States to find an approach which uses the margin of discretion the Directive grants. The health professions will continue to monitor the implementation.”