Dariusz Rosati (PSE). – (PL) Mr President, the European Union is based on four fundamental freedoms. These are the freedom of movement of goods, capital, the workforce and services. These pillars of the European Community were agreed back in 1958 because even then it was already clear that they were the sine qua non of the genuine integration of Europe.

Several decades have gone by but there is still no free movement of services in Europe. The main reason for this situation is the weakness of the political class. Politicians have been either unable or unwilling to explain to the citizens that the freedom to provide services results in new jobs and faster economic growth. Instead of clarifying the meaning of the enlargement of the European Union and highlighting the opportunity offered by competition, politicians have opted to alarm the voters with the spectres of social dumping, the so-called Frankenstein Directive and the notorious Polish plumber.

This is the background to today’s debate on the Services Directive in this House. The adoption of the directive will make life easier for consumers and entrepreneurs, accelerate economic growth and create 600 000 new jobs in Europe. Unfortunately, the directive is under increasing attack from those of a populist and protectionist persuasion. We have heard time and again that opening up the services market will result in social dumping and poorer working conditions, but these views are totally unfounded.

A compromise is still possible, however. I would remind the House that issues relating to employment and labour law have been removed from the scope of the directive, which should allay the fears expressed by the Trade Unions. Services of public interest have also been excluded. I believe that this will ensure a balance between the need for competitiveness and the need to protect labour rights. I therefore appeal to the European Parliament to adopt the directive as it now stands. It will allow competition to be strengthened and the labour markets to be opened up. It will also make life easier for consumers and businesses.