EU Services Directive
The movement of services is facilitated
With the EU Services Directive, the European Union called on its member states in 2006 to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to meet the directive's objectives by the end of 2009. The directive is intended to significantly simplify and facilitate the free movement of services within the Community.
Administrative simplification
The core of the directive is administrative simplification for the benefit of companies. Accordingly, the member states are required to
- to review the existing procedures and formalities for accessing and exercising a service activity with regard to their simplicity and, if necessary, to simplify them,
- establish points of single contact through which service providers can complete all procedures and formalities relating to their service activities
- ensure that all procedures and formalities can be easily completed remotely and electronically through the single point of contact or with the competent authority,
- to adapt and expand business-related services accordingly.
The City of Hof identifies with the objectives of the EU Services Directive and is in the process of initiating the measures required for its area.