In January 2004, the European Commission first tabled draft legislation designed to open up the services market. This draft law was potentially very damaging for both workers and consumers in the EU. In particular, the ’country of origin principle’ would have allowed companies to undercut collectively agreed standards when operating across borders.

Following a massive trade union demonstration in Strasbourg in February 2006 and intensive briefing by ETUC experts, the European Parliament voted for major amendments to the draft directive, which were subsequently taken on board by the Commission and the European Council. The ETUC continues to monitor the progress and implementation of this legislation.