Feasibility study 'cross-border professional recognition card'

ITEM has started its feasibility study into a cross-border professional recognition card. Previous research indicated that the national legislation in the area of the recognition of qualifications appears to be implemented properly. Practice nevertheless paints a different picture.

ITEM examines the feasibility of a cross-border professional recognition card in the Meuse-Rhine Euregion, in order to acknowledge the unique situation of frontier workers in recognition procedures. The objective is to form an instrument that instantly allows for cross-border working.

The recognition of professional qualifications is a much discussed topic. In 2015 the European Commission indicated in its report Overcoming obstacles in border regions that a lack of recognition of education and qualifications was one of the most-cited border obstacles. ITEM also deals with this important barrier. The topic is central to one of ITEM’s PhD projects for example, and is also addressed in the context of its casuistry. Furthermore, the issue has been the topic of analysis in the 2016 ITEM Cross-border Impact Assessment.

The transposition of Directive 2013/55/EU, the latest EU instrument in the area of the recognition of professional qualifications, was the heart of the analysis in Dossier 2 of the Cross-border Impact Assessment. This study, focused on the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, concluded that the Directive was implemented properly. Although smooth recognition procedures appear possible, reality paints a different picture. In the context of its casuistry, for example, ITEM has encountered various cases where recognition was not smooth yet. The Cross-border Impact Assessment also indicated that the unique situation of the frontier worker is not acknowledged in existing legislation on the recognition of professional qualifications.

ITEM’s feasibility study is aimed at finding out how a cross-border professional recognition card can optimise the speed and efficiency of recognition procedures in border regions. The study focuses on the Meuse-Rhine Euregion and therefore concerns the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. Legal analysis of the relevant legislation and existing initiatives is paired with a number of profession-specific case studies. Three medical professions form the subject of this analysis, thus creating a link between the legislation and practice of existing recognition procedures. The ideal situation remains our benchmark throughout this extensive feasibility study: cross-border work should be instantly possible.