TSS: SGI Europe urges stronger support for services of general interest, essential services and EU’s critical infrastructures

On Wednesday 19 March 2025, Pascal Bolo, SGI Europe President, and Valeria Ronzitti, General Secretary, addressed the Tripartite Social Summit in the presence of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Adam Szłapka, Polish Minister for the European Union.

Taking the floor in the opening round, Pascal Bolo, SGI Europe President, said:

"The Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industry Deal and the first omnibus proposals are a good start to reinforce the EU competitiveness, but more needs to be done. Breaking down administrative barriers, easing constraints and fostering innovation are essential to ensure that all companies, including SMEs with public participation, fully contribute to growth. Services of general interest must be better supported to provide the essential services and critical infrastructure that Europe needs to remain sovereign and competitive."

“The EU’s environmental leadership is a strategic asset. Weakening it would be a mistake. SGI Europe calls for a resilient, decentralised, technology-neutral policy approach that strengthens our critical infrastructure and essential services and ensures a just transition for all.”

In the moderated discussion, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, commented:

“Europe’s competitiveness is not just about industry and markets: it’s about providing essential services to citizens and companies. Services of general interest are part of the solution to make the European model competitive, resilient, and socially fair: they should not be regarded as the necessary evil to turn to only in case of market failure.”

“As Europe faces geopolitical uncertainty and systemic risks, SGIs can also guarantee resilience through continuity in energy, transport, health, and public services. This must be reflected in the upcoming Preparedness Report, which must embed SGIs in crisis planning and long-term strategic autonomy framework as an active pillar of our security.”