The 2004 White Paper on Services of General mentioned this category of SGEI in particular since, following the consultation organised by the European Commission, the various actors concerned highlighted the need to provide explanations regarding the European law applicable to these specific services that are vitally important to the economic and social cohesion of the European Union to ensure respect for fundamental rights.

CEEP was involved from the start of this initiative, notably by adopting positions during the special conferences organised by the European Commission jointly with the Social Protection Committee.

The publication by the Commission in April 2006 of a special communication on social services of general interest is a step in the direction of greater legal security for the supply of these services. Above all, it recognises their special features within the “family” of SGEIs.

However, this communication does not discuss health issues, which undermines service providers and beneficiaries.

CEEP is working hard on this vitally important issue and, more particularly, in the more general context of legal security in the European context of SGEIs.

Chair: Laurent GHEKIERE

Secretarial Support: Sonia d'OLNE & Simona URBAITYTE