Social services of general interest (SSGI), such as child benefits, social housing, care for elderly etc., should feature prominently in the European societies by contributing to social protection and inclusion, enhancing the capacity of individuals to enjoy their fundamental rights and to participate fully in the social, economic and political life. Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee adopted position about SSGI on Monday in Strasbourg.

The report by Proinsias De Rossa (S&D, IE) highlights the importance of social services for the quality of life, their economic contribution and for maintaining social cohesion. SSGIs play an important role as socio-economic stabilisers during crises but they face key challenges to maintaining quality in their delivery, adequate and efficient financing and clear rules ensuring legal certainty.

Members of the Committee support the modernisation of EU public procurement rules, the review of state aides and calls for the introduction of social criteria relating to the provision of services. They also urge the Commission to recognise the non-market characteristics of SSGI and ensure conformity with single market rules and the social provisions of the European treaties.

One of the proposals by the Committee is call for a formation of a high-level stakeholder working group which should be co-chaired by representatives of the Parliament and the Commission. The working group should consider, among others, establishment of a European Observatory for SSGI, to clarify legal uncertainties, evaluate the impact of single market regulations on social services, their gender dimension and promotion of innovations based on the European Voluntary Quality Framework.

Finally, members call for a 4th European Forum on SSGI to continue the review of the progress on reform. Working group should submit its progress report to the forum.

The Committee adopted the draft report after agreement on the 38 compromise amendments negotiated between the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs, by 36 votes in favour, 8 against and 2 abstentions. The resolution is scheduled to be voted in Plenary during the July session in Strasbourg.

In the chair: Pervenche BERÈS (S&D, FR)