Concerns over CTF
Action Required : Have Your Say on the Proposed EU Common Training Framework (CTF)
The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists is highlighting serious concerns regarding the proposed EU Common Training Framework (CTF) for physiotherapists and is actively advocating on behalf of members at both national and European level.
What is the Common Training Framework (CTF)?
The CTF is a European Commission initiative under the Professional Qualifications Directive. Its aim is to support the free movement of professionals across EU and EEA countries by establishing a shared set of minimum knowledge, skills and competences. This would allow for automatic recognition of qualifications between countries.
While supporting professional mobility is an important objective, the current proposal raises significant concerns for the physiotherapy profession in Ireland.
Why is the Society concerned?
Physiotherapy education, scope of practice, and levels of clinical autonomy vary considerably across Europe. The current CTF proposal does not adequately address these differences and instead relies on minimum standards that may not reflect the level of competence required for safe and effective practice in Ireland.
Key concerns include:
- Variations in autonomous practice across Member States
- Differences in assessment, diagnosis and clinical decision-making authority
- Inconsistent training across core areas of practice, including cardiorespiratory and neurology
- Over-reliance on educational credits rather than demonstrated competence
- Potential risks to patient safety and quality of care
The Society does not support the CTF in its current form, as it does not provide sufficient assurance that physiotherapists recognised through this framework will have attained equivalent competencies for safe and effective practice across all areas of the profession.
What action has the Society taken?
Since March 2024, the Society has been actively and consistently representing members on this issue at both national and European level. This has included:
- Engagement with CORU and other key stakeholders
- Formal input to the European Commission
- Collaboration with European physiotherapy organisations to oppose the proposal
The Society is currently finalising a detailed submission to the public consultation, which closes on 23 June 2026.
Take action: Make your submission before 23 June 2026
The European Commission has opened a public consultation on the proposed CTF.
A strong response from physiotherapists across Ireland is critical. It will help demonstrate the depth of concern within the profession and reinforce the Society’s position.
You are strongly encouraged to make an individual submission:
Submit your response here:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/15612-Physiotherapists-a-common-training-framework-to-allow-automatic-cross-border-recognition-of-qualifications_en
Please note - You will need to register to leave feedback
Key points you may wish to include in your submission
Autonomy varies across countries
While physiotherapists are recognised as autonomous professionals in many countries, what this means in practice differs significantly. Not all physiotherapists are trained to the same level of autonomy, which may impact patient safety and quality of care.
Countries must retain control over scope of practice
Member States must retain responsibility for defining physiotherapy roles and scope of practice within their healthcare systems. Recognition of qualifications across borders does not mean a physiotherapist should automatically be permitted to carry out the same activities in every country.
Competence, not credits, must be the measure
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) reflects time spent in education but does not measure the knowledge, skills or competence achieved. Equivalence must be based on demonstrated competence, not credits alone.
Physiotherapy is broader than musculoskeletal care
The proposal places too much emphasis on musculoskeletal practice and does not fully reflect the full scope of physiotherapy, including cardiorespiratory and neurology.
Independent assessment and diagnosis are essential
Physiotherapists must have the knowledge, skills and competence to independently assess patients, identify functional disorders, and make clinical decisions across all core areas of practice.
Tips for submitting
- Do not submit anonymously
- Identify yourself as a Member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (MISCP) or as a physiotherapist
- Personalise your submission where possible, explaining how these issues affect your practice will strengthen your response
- You do not need to cover every point; focus on those most relevant to your experience
