Bolkestein directive

The Bolkestein directive or Services Directive, officially Services in the Internal Market Directive 2006/123/EC, is a European Union law aiming at establishing a single market for services within the European Union (EU). Drafted under the leadership of the former European Commissioner for Internal Market Frits Bolkestein, it has been popularly referred to by his name. It was seen as an important kick-start to the Lisbon Agenda which, launched in 2000, was an agreed strategy to make the EU "the world's most dynamic and competitive economy" by 2010.

The directive was harshly criticised by left-wing European politicians, trade unions and citizens, who stated that it would lead to competition between workers in different parts of Europe – hence the expression "Polish plumber" – resulting in social dumping. After the 2004 original draft had been substantially amended, the proposal was approved on 12 December 2006 by the European Parliament and Council, and adopted as the Directive 2006/123/EC. The Directive has been criticised by right-wing politicians in some member states, because it has led, in their opinion, to uncontrollable migration into their countries.