Malta's membership of the European community : the impact on the local architectural profession

Abstract

The creation of the single European market based on the four freedoms of goods, capital, services and people has had an immense impact on many professions in Europe, not least among these the architectural profession. If Malta becomes a member of the European Community (EC), the impact of these changes which have occurred in Europe will also be felt locally. Malta's application to join the EC opened a series of discussions and researches in various fields. One of the topics that needs further study is the effect of membership on the architectural profession as this would be of immense importance to the future of the architect in Malta. The creation of the single European market by the end of last year led to the elimination of all barriers to trade between the member countries and to the free movement of individuals within the Community. European Community architects can thus practice in any member state without the need to obtain a work permit or any recognition approvals. EC legislation, emanating in Brussels, and which is of direct relevance to architects, concerns among other matters freedom of establishment as well as freedom to provide services and the mutual recognition of degrees and diplomas. In the case of architects these are included under a single directive known as the Architects' Directive. Other areas of EC legislation which are of relevance to the architectural profession have to do with health and safety directives, liability and insurance, public procurement and standards.