Problems with professional recognition in the EU
Despite EU citizens being able to freely choose their place of work and living, there are significant challenges in recognizing many professional qualifications within the EU. "Nurses or mechanics who wish to work in another member state may be deterred by the long and bureaucratic process," according to Stef Blok, a member of the European Court of Auditors. The European body had reviewed a report on whether an EU directive for easier recognition of qualifications was being implemented and identified weaknesses.
At times, unnecessary documents such as motivation letters, certified translations, or proof of residence are demanded before the actual move to a country. Additionally, it is not always clear how fees are calculated and why there are significant differences between EU states.
As a result, it can be free to have a qualification recognized or, in a specific case mentioned by the European Court of Auditors, cost 17,500 Euro for pilots in a member state. Simultaneously, there is a persistent shortage of skilled labor in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and the automobile industry.
The European Court of Auditors has highlighted problems in implementing an EU directive aimed at easing the recognition of professional qualifications, leading to unequal fees and bureaucratic hurdles across EU states. Professional recognition, particularly for nurses, mechanics, and in the case of pilots, can incur substantial expenses, potentially acting as a deterrent within the EU.
