WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1786/97 by Christine ODDY to the Commission. Recognition of a European qualification in psychotherapy
Date: 1997-05-27
Institutions: European Parliament, ODDY
Subjects: behavioural sciences, equivalence of diplomas, free movement of workers, medical specialisation, professional association, psychiatry, recognition of diplomas, traineeship













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91997E1786

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1786/97 by Christine ODDY to the Commission. Recognition of a European qualification in psychotherapy  


Official Journal C 021 , 22/01/1998 P. 0095 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1786/97 by Christine Oddy (PSE) to the Commission (27 May 1997)Subject: Recognition of a European qualification in psychotherapyIs the Commission aware that the UK Council for Psychotherapy and psychotherapy organizations in other Member States would like recognition for a European Certificate in Psychotherapy so that qualified psychotherapists are recognized and can practise throughout the EU?This qualification should be open to health practitioners such as doctors and nursing staff and social workers as well as those qualified in psychology or psychiatry.Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission (1 July 1997)The Commission is aware of the European Association of Psychotherapy (EAP)'s initiative to introduce a European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP). According to the information available to the Commission, the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy is a member of the EAP, which brings together a large number of national associations representing the profession.The Commission considers - as it has stated on several occasions, including in its answers to written questions Nos E-3429/93 by Mr Rovsing ((OJ C 268, 26.9.1994. )) and E-4094/93 by Mr Chiabrando and Mr Pisoni ((OJ C 332, 28.11.1994. )) - that initiatives taken by European professional associations such as the EAP can play an important role in Member States' implementation of the 'general system' Directives 89/48/EEC ((OJ L 19, 24.1.1989. )) and 92/51/EEC ((OJ L 209, 24.7.1992. )). In particular, the establishment of joint training standards - more commonly known as joint platforms - such as the ECP can facilitate freedom of establishment by reducing or completely removing any substantial differences between training (differences which would otherwise entail the migrant having to complete an adaptation period or take an aptitude test as provided for by the Directives referred to above).However, in line with the approach followed by the 'general system' Directives, matters relating to the regulation of professions (requirements governing training and professional practice, competent authorities) fall under the Member States' jurisdiction. Consequently, it is not for the Commission to accept or reject joint platforms established by European professional associations. In other words, the Commission does not formally recognize such joint platforms - even though it is aware of their benefit in promoting free movement of professionals within the single market.Joint platforms remain private initiatives, and thus cannot replace national regulation. Nevertheless, a certificate such as the ECP submitted by a migrant would provide the host Member State's authorities with certain guarantees as regards the training undergone. Thus the success of initiatives such as that taken by the EAP largely depends on the national authorities' acceptance of each joint platform as a yardstick. The fact that training leading to the award of the ECP is also open to members of other professions is an additional advantage in this regard.