In most Member States, health care, education, social services and elderly care are mainly or partly in the hands of the state. These public services play an important role in social protection and inclusion, if they are affordable and accessible to all citizens. It is these characteristics that have to be assured EU-wide. The PES considers it a priority to create a Framework Directive on public services, which introduces minimum standards, guarantees universal and equal access for citizens, quality, local autonomy and transparency. European competition and business rules must not run counter to citizens’ rights. Before privatisation takes place, the social impacts must be assessed.
PES Positions
PES Discussion Paper on Entry Strategy into the Labour Market, October 2009