Commission resists calls for new rules on social services

Social Services of General Interest (SSGI) play a vital role in European society and provide an important contribution to the fulfilment of basic EU objectives such as social, economic and territorial cohesion, a high level of employment, social inclusion and economic growth. However, a legal framework corresponding to a strict free market logic does not fit the way social services are organised. The Belgian presidency strives to advance a Quality Framework for SSGI and to provide more legal certainty.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities: Social services of general interest http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=794&langId=en

European Commission: Summaries of EU legislation: Competition: Rules applicable to state aid: Summaries of EU legislation > Competition: Rules applicable to state aid: Social services of general interest http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/competition/state_aid/l33230_en.htm

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