Bolkestein directive

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Directive 2006/123/EC

European Union directive
Title	Directive on services in the internal market
Made by	European Parliament & Council
Made under	Articles 47(2) and 55
Journal reference	L376, 27 December 2006, pp. 36-68
History
Date made	12 December 2006
Entry into force	28 December 2006
Implementation date	28 December 2009
Current legislation

The Bolkestein directive or Services Directive, officially Services in the Internal Market Directive 2006/123/EC, is a European Union law aiming at establishing a single market for services within the European Union (EU). Drafted under the leadership of the former right-wing European Commissioner for Internal Market Frits Bolkestein, it has been popularly referred to by his name. It was seen as an important kick-start to the Lisbon Agenda which, launched in 2000, was an agreed strategy to make the EU "the world's most dynamic and competitive economy" by 2010.

The Bolkestein directive was harshly criticised by left-wing European politicians, trade unions and citizens, who stated that it would lead to competition between workers in different parts of Europe – hence the expression "Polish plumber" – resulting in social dumping. After the 2004 original draft had been substantially amended, the proposal was approved on 12 December 2006 by the European Parliament and Council, and adopted as the Directive 2006/123/EC. Later the Directive has been criticised by often right-wing politicians of member states, because it has led to, in their opinion, uncontrollable migration into their countries.