PR(08)45: Residence requirements concerning Liechtenstein lawyers, patent lawyers, auditors and trustees are in breach of the EEA Agreement
The EFTA Surveillance Authority today delivered a reasoned opinion to Liechtenstein regarding the residence requirements laid down in the Liechtenstein legislation concerning lawyers, patent lawyers, auditors and trustees.
In the context of another infringement proceeding against Liechtenstein, the Authority stated in its letter of formal notice of 8 December 2004 and reasoned opinion of 22 March 2006 that the above mentioned legislation was contrary to Article 31 of the EEA Agreement.
The Liechtestein Government, having acknowledged the need to waive the residence clauses for all the four professions, adopted new legislation which entered into force on 26 July 2007. However, the new provisions contain, again, residence clauses, although different from the previous ones.
Delivery of a reasoned opinion is the second stage in infringement proceedings. The EFTA Surveillance Authority may bring the matter before the EFTA Court if Liechtenstein fails to take the measures necessary to comply with the reasoned opinion.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Niels Fenger
Director, Legal & Executive Affairs Directorate
tel. (+32)(0)2 286 18 30
Mr. Bernhard Zaglmeyer
Officer, Internal Market Affairs Directorate
tel. (+32)(0)2 286 18 85
16 July 2008
