“Services of general interest will be key to implementing the Single Market Emergency Instrument”

On Monday 19 September 2022, the European Commission presented the proposal for a new Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI). This crisis governance framework aims to preserve the free movement of goods, services and persons and the availability of essential goods and services during future emergencies.

Commenting on the European Commission’s proposal, Valeria Ronzitti, General Secretary of SGI Europe, said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of the Russian war in Ukraine have, more than ever, highlighted the importance of EU solidarity in times of crisis. Given the global challenges ahead of us, SGI Europe welcomes the package to set a dedicated architecture to address the threats and challenges to the EU Single Market. Services of general interest will be key to implementing the Single Market Emergency Instrument”

“As a central element of the architecture proposed by the European Commission, the advisory group will play a central role in bringing to life the SMEI. Considering the importance of its responsibilities, it will be crucial to ensure broad active participation beyond representatives of Member States. With their experience and expertise, SGI Europe and the EU social partners will guarantee the instrument’s success and ensure its pragmatism in the implementation.”

“With the Single Market turning 30 in a few months, engaging in a broader reflection on its fundamentals and engage it in a new paradigm. At the heart of the EU social market economy, essential services of general interest, provided or commissioned by public authorities, must find their rightful place at its heart. With its members across the EU, SGI Europe stands ready to contribute to the reflection on making the Single Market future- and crisis-proof.”

(Photo: EC - Audiovisual Service)