On May 30, 2026, the European Commission announced that it has initiated infringement proceedings against Portugal and seven other Member States for not adopting EU legislation regarding the recognition of professional qualifications. Specifically, the infringement relates to Directive (EU) 2024/782, which mandates updated training requirements for healthcare professions including nurses, dentists, and pharmacists.

The directive, which outlines revised qualifications to align with advancements in science and technology in healthcare, was to be fully implemented by March 4, 2026. The new rules are designed to enhance the mobility of healthcare professionals across EU Member States and improve the quality of medical training, addressing areas such as e-health, digital technologies, and regenerative medicine.

The Commission has sent a formal notice to these countries, including Denmark, Germany, Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, and Austria, requesting a response within two months. If satisfactory measures are not communicated, the Commission may escalate the matter to issuing a reasoned opinion.

This move underscores the ongoing challenge in harmonizing professional standards across the EU, aiming to ensure that healthcare practitioners meet common benchmarks for education and training. It reflects the Commission's stringent approach to enforcing compliance with EU laws, vital for maintaining the integrity of the single market in the healthcare sector.