Lexipedia

Free movement of services

Free movement of services protects temporary cross-border service provision in the EU and limits unjustified barriers by host states.

Free movement of services enables providers established in one EU Member State to offer services temporarily in another, and protects recipients who cross borders to obtain them. Host-state requirements may be restricted where they discriminate, duplicate controls or are disproportionate, though public-interest regulation remains possible. Switzerland is not part of the EU internal market as such. Cross-border services involving Switzerland are governed by specific bilateral commitments, sectoral rules, immigration and posting requirements, recognition of qualifications and private compliance with EU market expectations.