The European Commission and the OECD, supported by the Competition Authorities, have promoted economic reforms on the grounds of improving the internal market and increasing competitiveness. These actions have reduced control mechanisms, jeopardising the public interest in the quality of services, consumer protection and professional training. Architecture is an example of the failure of these policies, with a loss of benchmarks for fair compensation for the services provided. There is an urgent need to establish a regulatory framework that combats unfair competition and values the role of architects.
Picture: © Miguel Baltazar