Getting closer to an EU-wide system for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications

A major success was achieved this week within the sometimes tortuous legal and political machinations of the European Union, moving us closer to an EU-wide system for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. The European Parliament has voted to recommend implementation of a new directive covering professions such as engineers, architects, accountants and doctors. It's regarded as a good compromise between making it more straightforward for those wishing to work in other states, and "protecting consumers" (which I'd guess means not allowing professionals with lower standard qualifications from being able to move to a country with higher standards and claim they're suitably qualified).
After debate in parliament, significant amendments were made to the initial proposal, and control of required standards will now be in the "host country", rather than leaving supervision in the professional's country of origin. There will be five levels of recognised education and training, and the introduction of an individual professional card with information on a professional's career (training, experience and any penalties imposed).
This is a typical example of the thousands of issues which have to be addressed if we're to achieve the aim of creating a European union which would be an economic "superstate" to rival the US, whilst retaining the individuality of nations. If that could be achieved, it would be a fantastic thing. Some would say it's an impossible dream, and when you look at the efforts required just to take small steps forward like the one above, you can sympathise with those who think it's not worth the expense and upheaval of trying. The many UK engineers I know who would like to work on "the continent" will, I imagine, be supporters of what's being done to make that easier.