Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on services in the internal market ("EU Services Directive") came into force on 28 December 2006 and must be implemented by the Member States of the European Union by the end of 2009.
The aim of the EU Services Directive is to create an internal market without frontiers, ensuring the free movement of services between Member States. The establishment of company branches throughout Europe should also be facilitated.
In addition to simplifications for each individual service provider, the implementation of the Directive should generally result in increased technical support in terms of e-government and therefore in greater service orientation and efficiency on the part of the authorities.