The theme of the Intergroup was related to the (social) services of general interest with a presentation by DG Internal Market - European Commission on Solvency II and a presentation on the state of play on Small Business Act and on the Commission’s procedure on Cooperatives.
Mr Elio d’Orazio, Vice-President of AGE, also gave a presentation on behalf of AGE about the importance of general interest services for the inclusion of older people in society. The participation of older people in economic, civic or cultural activities really depends on public services that fully respect the principles of quality, continuity, security, equal access, affordable charges and universal provision.. Yet, following the liberalisation of these services, it is now routine to sacrifice the above mentioned principles by focusing on their profitability.
AGE has therefore called upon the Intergroup on Social economy to ask for an impartial study to be carried out, ideally at European level, on the impact of privatisation of the services of general interest and the cost to individuals, including vulnerable groups such as older people living in isolated or “unprofitable” areas.
AGE also asked the Intergroup to help to persuade the Commission of the need to develop European regulations to guarantee the quality of long-term care services and to protect the numerous dependant elderly people.
Last Updated on Friday, 29 January 2010 12:23
