20 December 2024
Since the European elections on 9 June 2024, SGI Europe, its national sections and its partners from the SGIs Network have been reaching out to MEPs to establish an Intergroup dedicated to Services of General Interest (SGIs) at the European Parliament.
At the end of October, the intergroup on SGIs was proposed by MEPs from 6 different political groups (EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens, ECR and The Left). Last week, the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents (CoP) agreed on the list of the 28 Intergroups to be established as of January 2025, which includes one dedicated to the Social Economy and Services of General Interest - an intergroup resulting from the merger of the proposed intergroups on both topics.
After the Winter break, SGI Europe will work on establishing a work programme and launching the intergroup properly. This intergroup will be the right platform to engage experts, external stakeholders and our members with representatives from the European Union for the next 5 years.
A unique opportunity to ensure the success of the Right to stay in the EU – initially, Freedom to stay in Enrico Letta’s report on the future of the EU Single Market. SGIs are indeed key in reflecting the relationship, duties, and responsibilities between the state and its citizens. In the current context of high uncertainty, the balance between services provided and fulfilled expectations is the basis for social cohesion.
Contact: Benoît Cassorla
One of the key deliverables of the project Finance4EPSR, SGI Europe will organise a workshop dedicated to Sustainable Finance on 17 January 2025, from 10.00 to 15.30. The event will take place in Brussels, and online participation is possible.
The main objective of the Finance4EPSR project is to deepen the knowledge of the practical impact of a Social Taxonomy into the business life of enterprises delivering services of general interest (SGIs) and to develop a methodology for guiding non-financial reporting about social objectives to foster SGIs contributions towards the implementation of the EPSR.
Through thematic sessions and group work, the workshop will allow participants to discuss aspects and characteristics that should be considered when implementing sustainable finance requirements in the hospitals & healthcare, housing, transport, energy and water sectors. To participate in the event, as places are limited, we kindly ask you to register here as soon as possible.
Contact: Cecilia Martin
The Accessible Climate-Conscious Essential Services (A.C.C.E.S.) project partners, SGI Europe, BDEW, UFE and USH, will organise the second sectoral workshop of the project, dedicated to the energy sector. The workshop will be held in hybrid format on Wednesday 29 January 2025, from 12:00 to 17:00, from the UFE headquarters in Paris. The working language will be English, and no interpretation will be provided. You can register here.
The workshop will be centred around two critical challenges facing electricity service providers in Europe that are vital to meeting societal objectives and public obligations of the sector: the adaptation to climate change and the impacts on infrastructure resilience and service delivery, and the need to ensure affordable and accessible electricity services amid the energy transition.
Together with experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, we will explore these challenges by looking at current climate change impacts on electricity infrastructure and service delivery, share good practices in climate adaptation strategies and explore the collection of data on energy across Europe to discuss what aspects and characteristics should be considered when developing future indicators.
Contact: Cecilia Martin
The International Labour Organisation has just released its second edition of the Social Dialogue Report. It focuses on Peak Level Social Dialogue (PLSD) to promote decent work, fair income distribution, and social justice and ensure an effective and inclusive twin transition. By showcasing country examples and good practices from around the world, the report demonstrates how PLSD can help navigate complex crises and rapid structural changes in the world of work. This is particularly true in the context of the green and digital transitions.
It is stated that while the twin transition offers opportunities for economic growth, innovation and job creation, it also poses risks of major labour market disruption. PLSD is highlighted in the report as having a crucial role in leveraging these opportunities and addressing challenges through effective and inclusive strategies that protect workers and enterprises.
The report calls for enhancing the capacity of PLSD institutions, mainstreaming social dialogue across all parts of government, expanding the inclusion of underrepresented groups such as informal economy workers and SMEs, and conducting regular evidence-based evaluations of PLSD's role and outcomes, including the potential development of a global indicator for its effectiveness.
Contact: Guillaume Afellat
On 16 December, the European Parliament plenary session focused on an open debate on the right to clean drinking water, with a statement from the European Commission. Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, emphasised the importance of water access, noting that while 96% of EU citizens currently benefit from clean drinking water, millions remain underserved.
The debate underscored the EU's longstanding clean water policies, which have been pivotal over the past four decades. A key milestone was adopting the recast Drinking Water Directive in 2020, aimed at updating quality standards, improving risk management across the supply chain, and ensuring equitable access to clean water. Member States were required to transpose the directive into national law by January 2023, but delays persist.
EVP Fitto highlighted emerging challenges, including water scarcity, environmental pollutants, and significant water losses. The Commission has initiated a study on removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water, with findings expected in 2026. He stressed that combating water stress demands a holistic approach, encompassing improved public access, modernised hygiene standards, and strengthened water resilience.
The members of the European Parliament were commended for their proactive stance on water security, mainly through an upcoming report on water resilience. EVP Fitto emphasised the new Commission’s commitment to prioritising water security, urging Member States to accelerate the implementation of the directive and address mounting water stress across the EU.
This debate serves as a call to action to ensure the right to clean drinking water and to remain on top of the EU's environmental and public health agenda.
Contact: Henriette Gleau
SGI Europe sends you its best wishes for the festive season.
Our Newsflash will come back in January 2025.
Please note that the SGI Europe office will be closed from 26 December 2024 until 3 January 2025 included.
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