Quality Framework for Services of General Interest in the EU
The Commission has today adopted a Quality Framework for Services of General Interest in the EU. They provide an essential safety net for citizens in areas such as health care, care for the elderly, child care, assistance to disabled persons and social housing. They also have a key role to play in the knowledge economy in the area of schools, training centres and university. "I made clear in my Political Guidelines in 2009 that Services of General Interest play a key role in ensuring social cohesion and can also be a driver for new sources of growth," said President Barroso and added that "this quality framework adopted today is a confirmation of the European Commission's determination to support innovative, high quality public services, which are even more essential in the current difficult economic situation". At a time when public authorities are confronted with the need for fiscal consolidation, it is essential to ensure that right framework is in place so that high-quality services can be provided as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
Commission adopts Quality Framework for Services of General Interest in the EU
State aid: Commission adopts new rules on services of general economic interest (SGEI)
Press statement by László Andor on the Youth Opportunities Initiative
Communication about the Quality Framework for Services of General Interest in Europe 
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European Union framework for State aid in the form of public service compensation (2011) [76 KB] 
Proposal for a de minimis Regulation in the field of SGEI [36 KB]