22 November 2024
Since the June 2024 European elections, SGI Europe and its partner from the SGI Network have been reaching out to MEP to establish an Intergroup dedicated to Services of General Interest (SGIs) at the European Parliament.
At the end of October 2024, the intergroup on SGIs was proposed by MEPs from 6 different political groups (EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens, ECR and The Left). By 27 November 2024, each political group will submit a short list, varying in size depending on their position in Parliament, to be discussed by the EP Conference of Presidents (CoP). Finally, by the end of December 2024, the CoP will select, among all the proposals, 27 Intergroups to be established for the next mandate.
This work on creating an Intergroup on SGIs is instrumental in ensuring 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. Indeed, the European Parliament can play a crucial role in guaranteeing the availability, affordability, and quality of the Services of General Interest (SGIs) in all regions, which are essential to enforcing this Right to Stay at the local, regional and national levels. SGIs are indeed instrumental 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.
The Intergroup would be the right platform to engage experts, external stakeholders and our members with representatives from the European Parliament.
Contact: Benoît Cassorla
On Wednesday 20 November 2024, SGI Europe met with the Executive Board of the Swedish Association of Local and Regional Authorities (SALAR), during their study visit to Brussels.
During the meeting, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe’s General Secretary, introduced the work of the association and its main current priorities, with a focus on the state of play on the EU cross-industry social dialogue and the discussions on the future of EU competitiveness.
Following this introduction, an open discussion explored further the contribution and recognition of the ‘Swedish model’ to the EU social market economy, particularly regarding social dialogue and public procurement. The new institutional setup and priorities at the European level – with a new European Parliament and soon a new European Commission – were also touched upon, with a specific focus on how services of general interest can contribute to reigniting the EU economy and help design a genuine “EU brand” of sustainable competitiveness.
SALAR (the Swedish Association of Local and Regional Authorities) is a member of the Swedish section of SGI Europe and represents employer and member organisations for all Swedish municipalities and regions.
Contact: Maxime Staelens
Yesterday, 21 November 2024, the European Commission (DG EMPL) organised a conference to further explore the findings of the Employment and Social Developments in Europe Review, which was presented last September. The event addressed the conclusions and implications of the report on “Upward Social Convergence and the Role of Social Investment”.
It more specifically zoomed in on the evidence and conclusions of the report and, together with panellists, discussed some of the broad policy implications these findings could have. In line with the report's findings, the event explored further how well-designed social investment policies, including efficient spending on education, skills development, and active labour market measures, can boost productivity, competitiveness, and economic growth while addressing labour shortages and fostering upward social convergence.
The report highlighted, amongst other topics, that investing in Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) can positively affect a broad range of labour market, social and economic outcomes. Impact evaluations of specific ALMPs implemented by Member States revealed that training programs, job creation schemes, and wage subsidies effectively boost employment, earnings, and social well-being, especially for people facing long-term unemployment.
Contact: Guillaume Afellat
This is the last opportunity to register for the first sectoral workshop dedicated to the housing sector organised by SGI Europe on Thursday 28 November 2024 from 12.00 to 17.30 in Paris (and online).
One of the main objectives of the A.C.C.E.S. project is to define indicators for monitoring and evaluating the progress of access to essential services, considering the providers' needs. Together with experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, this workshop will explore ways to define and measure the accessibility, affordability, and quality of these services while responding to the evolving challenges posed by climate change. During the workshop next week, we will explore data collection on housing across Europe and discuss what aspects and characteristics should be considered when developing future indicators, particularly in climate change and its impacts.
The event will be an opportunity to engage directly with EU representatives and national stakeholders, explore data and findings, share ideas and network with experts in the housing sector across Europe. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered, but as places are limited, please register here as soon as possible. Only registered participants will receive the link to attend the event and the finalised agenda.
Contact: Cecilia Martin
On 19 November, the first hydrogen monitoring report published by the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) outlined that the European Union is at risk of falling short of its ambitious 2030 renewable hydrogen target. Tasked under the 2024 Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonisation legislation, ACER’s analysis highlights significant barriers in demand, infrastructure, and costs.
It first addresses the current hydrogen demand in the EU, which is at 7,2 Mt (with 99,7% from fossil fuels), which is very short of the 2030 target of 20 Mt of renewable hydrogen consumption. It also highlights the current insufficient electrolyser capacity of only 216 MW (the target for 2030 is 70 GW). Renewable hydrogen also remains costly, as its pricing is 3-4 times higher than fossil fuel-derived hydrogen, slowing its adoption. Finally, the planned hydrogen projects, including 42,000 km of pipelines, face delays, with only 1% reaching final investment decisions.
In its recommendations, ACER calls for the swift implementation of the EU’s hydrogen laws and accelerated deployment of electrolysers. It also urges better demand forecasting, integrated energy planning, and incremental infrastructure development to minimise risks of stranded assets. Cost-effective repurposing of gas networks and clarity on the role of low-carbon hydrogen are also highlighted as priorities. The report underscores the critical need for coordinated efforts to advance the EU’s hydrogen economy and achieve climate neutrality goals by 2050.
Contact: Henriette Gleau
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