Broadly speaking, freedom of establishment concerns people's right to take up and pursue independent occupations. It therefore covers doctors, lawyers, architects, estate agents, brokers, advertising agencies and the like, as well as technical, artistic and craft activities. It also expressly covers the establishment and running of businesses, in particular companies and company agencies, branches or subsidiaries. It does not, on the other hand, cover activities connected with the permanent or occasional exercise of public authority. As in the case of freedom of movement for workers (q.v.), its basis is the principle of equal treatment for all citizens of the Union.