Recognition of osteopathy in all Member States

31.10.2016

Question for written answer E-008204-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Carolina Punset (ALDE) , Javier Nart (ALDE)

Osteopathy is an independent health and first aid profession that is recognised as such in a number of EU countries. The academic, professional and ethical criteria that apply to osteopathy are set out in European Standard EN 16686:2015 on ‘Osteopathic healthcare provision’. However, the profession is not yet properly regulated in some Member States, including Spain.

It is clear, in the light of the foregoing, that where osteopathy is concerned, Spain is failing to comply with Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications, and Directive 2014/54/EU on freedom of movement for workers, in that it does not allow osteopathy professionals who have received proper training in other countries to work on an equal footing in Spain.

This unsatisfactory situation has a bearing on both patient safety and on osteopathy professionals’ rights as regards recognition and freedom of movement in EU countries.

Is the Commission going to take action in response to this failure to guarantee patient safety and uphold the rights of osteopathy professionals throughout the EU?