Services in the internal market

In March 2004, the European Commission published a proposal for a Directive on Services in the Internal Market as part of its strategy to achieve the goals of the Lisbon Strategy. The aim of this proposal was to remove administrative barriers hindering the free movement of service providers and to thereby complete the internal market. However, the proposed Directive proved to be highly controversial in many European countries and was perceived by some as a threat to the European Social Model. It was feared that the Directive would lower social standards, reduce the protection afforded to workers and lead to the liberalisation of public services.

Click here for more information on this AER campaign.

Services of General Interest

Health services of general interest- new Communication is published

European Commission Social Services Communication 

Regions today are faced with the challenge of reviewing and modernising the ways in which they organise, finance and provide service in the general interest. Demographic changes, in particular an increasingly ageing society coupled by low fertility rates, require regions to adapt their services in order to address the needs of their users, and also question the financial sustainability of our current social models. The global economy affects regional realities and demands the creation of flexible and efficient services. And as the European standard of living is improving, citizens and users are demanding more effective services which respond to their needs.

Click here for more information on this AER campaign.