A number of conditions for preforming certain activities have already been abolished, while the regulations remain for 242 professions, as compared to 140 in Germany. The obstacles for education of retailers have already been eliminated. The similar plans are being made for the field of tourism, construction, chimney sweeping, driving schools, or undertakers. Deregulation however could cut both ways: it certainly allows faster access to a profession, but in certain areas it could also substantially lower the standards and required skills.
In the coming month a list of activities with certain entry conditions will be listed, besides regulated professions. The government intends to eliminate these conditions judiciously. The European Commission has been making pressure on that account, as it would like to allow larger movement of persons and workers within the European Union, and is not satisfied with mutual recognition of professional qualifications obtained in different countries.
The danger exists that the government would blindly follow the expectation due to its eagerness, and indiscriminately deregulate professions, consequently eliminating also quality standards, e.g. in construction. The Chamber of Engineers has been proposing to the government for some time now to merge a number of professions into one qualification, instead of considering abolishing the regulation, as in this way certain construction and engineering skills might be lost as well. The social partners warn that deregulation should be made wisely.
Austria has a somewhat smaller number of regulated professions than Slovenia, and no professional qualification is required for retailers. But the difference is that Austria, as opposed to Slovenia, has an established system of apprenticeships, and internships. This presents a challenge to the future Minister of Education: how to provide professional education and apprenticeship alongside deregulation, and at the same time keep professional standards at a relatively high level.
M D. (Radio Slovenia), translated by G. K.
