The EU Services Directive: Gains from Further Liberalization

Author/Editor:

Emilio Fernández Corugedo ; . Esther Perez Ruiz

Publication Date:

July 1, 2014

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

The EU Services Directive was adopted in 2006 to foster competition in services across Europe. However, progress in liberalizing services has fallen short of expectations due to the article 15 of the Directive, which allows countries to maintain pre-existing restrictions if judged necessary to protect the public interest. Through input output analysis, this paper finds important multiplier effects of greater efficiency services to the rest of the economy. A renewed impulse to the liberalization process could be given by enhancing the advocacy role of national competition authorities in interpreting the notion of public interest underpinning existing regulations.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2014/113

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

July 1, 2014

ISBN/ISSN:

9781498391726/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2014113

Pages:

25

Please address any questions about this title to publications@imf.org