WRITTEN QUESTION E-1336/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(3 May 2001)

Subject: Proceedings against Greece with regard to French diplomas in psychology and their recognition under Directive 89/48/EEC

In its reply to my Written Question H-0250/01(1) concerning diplomas awarded by French universities under franchise agreements with Greek free study centres

and following infringement proceedings against Greece for failure to respect its obligations under Directive 89/48/EEC(2), the Commission indicated that the Greek authorities had replied to the letter of notification by letter of 17 January 2000, following which informal contacts had taken place between the Greek authorities and the Commission, the conclusions of which were now being considered.

In view of the considerable number of young people affected, whose professional futures are dependent on the conclusions of the deliberations, can the Commission give details regarding the outcome of its talks with the Greek authorities and say what will be the next stage in the proceedings to be followed by the Commission?

(1) Written Question 3.4.2001.

(2) OJ L 19, 24.1.1989, p. 16.

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 2001)

As the Commission already told the Honourable Member in its answer to Oral Question H-250/01 at Question Time during the part-session in April 2001, the Greek authorities replied in a letter of 17 January 2000 to the Commission's letter of notification.

Following this letter, and in order to examine the solution found for the many individual cases in question, the Commission and the Greek authorities have had a number of informal contacts (by letter and in bilateral meetings), which have served to clarify the situation with regard to these cases.

Since then, the Commission has received from a number of complainants new information and details that could prompt new complaints regarding the application to the occupation of psychologist of Council Directive 89/48/EEC of 21 December 1988 on a general system for the recognition of higher-education diplomas awarded on completion of professional education and training of at least three years' duration. The complainants claim that the professional recognition granted by the Greek authorities does not accord them the same rights with regard to the exercise of their profession as those granted to psychologists who hold Greek qualifications or who have received a certificate of academic equivalence from the Dikatsa.

The lengthy documentation that has been submitted several hundred pages, of which more than half has had to be translated, with the delays that this entails is now being examined.

In the circumstances, it is not possible at the moment to offer any comment on the outcome of this examination. It is nevertheless obvious that if the operation reveals the existence of new complaints or the continuation of those referred to in the letter of notification, the Commission will not hesitate to continue with the infringement procedure.

A Commission decision on the matter is expected in the coming months, and in any case in autumn, following some supplementary details that may need to be checked with the Greek authorities.