The Recognition of Professional Qualifications in the European Union: The Practice of Administration and European Courts - The Ski Instructor Example

Abstract

The case of the English ski instructor Simon Butler working in France is the best example of the malfunctioning of the professional-qualifications recognition system in Europe. The practice of European and national administration as well as the jurisprudence of the CJEU and French courts shows how important and complex the subject of qualifi cation recognition is. A review of administrative practices and an analysis of case law show the positive and negative sides of the EU’s qualification recognition system. The European Commission is carrying out numerous activities aimed at improving said system. The latest solutions make the idea of qualification without borders a reality. The most important task is to examine the changes and legislative proposals of the European Union, analyse the case of Simon Butler and present proposals for changes against the background of activities undertaken throughout the Union. They should be realised through legal research methods and non-reactive social methods.