Handbook of the Services Directive: the spokesperson kicks in

(B2) Asked by me about their "guide to the services directive", the service of the spokesperson of the Commission was rather reluctant to answer. First, McCreevy's spokesman dragged his feet (literally) down the stairs of the monumental amphitheater that serves as the press room within the Berlaymont. It was only after two signs of the arm in the form of "help" from the head of the spokesperson that he deigned to come down.

Responding directly in English - which is unusual and shows a certain condescancy (a spokesperson answers in French or in English depending on the language in which it is asked), his "lordship" has above all sought to kick into touch and ridicule the importance of the subject. "This directive is old and I don't remember everything" he explains (audio recording). He considers that the services have strictly respected the will of the European Parliament and ends up denying any legal value to this document.

Finally, he referred the question of the translation of the document to the Publications Office.

(NGV)