EC spokesman outlines gambling policy
The entry of Bulgaria into the European Union has led the European Commission’s spokesman, Oliver Drewes, to clarify the rules and regulations that underpin the bloc’s gambling policies.
Speaking about the fact that countries only now falling under the EU umbrella often had unusual laws of their own, Mr Drewes said that there had to be an overarching policy informing all national legislation.
“Each member state can have its own policy as long as basic treaty provisions are not violated […]According to the treaty rules and principles you have to respect free movement of services. Of course you can apply certain restrictions, but they must apply without exceptions,” said Mr Drewes, speaking on behalf of EC internal markets commissioner Charlie McCreevy.
Discriminatory practices that stopped certain companies from providing services would not be tolerated, Mr Drewes warned, in what was taken to be a reference to gambling laws found in some member states.
“Usually if the country does not change the law, a fine may be imposed,” he advised.