Brussels, 21/12/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Assembly of the European Regions (AER) is concerned about the impact of liberalising the services market in terms of social and territorial cohesion within the EU and is calling for an impact study to be made for the 'Bolkestein Directive' in areas like health and education. AER President, Riccardo Illy, also wants sector by sector assessments to be carried out for each Member State to ensure universality, affordability, quality, continuity and transparency are ensured, along with case studies in rural, peripheral and backward regions (lower profit zones). In a press release, the AER notes that the Services Directive will have a serious impact on services of general interest vital for citizens and is calling for an assessment of the impact of liberalisation that has already been implemented in post, telephones, energy, water and rail, in terms of economic growth, employment, social and territorial cohesion and environmental protection. It also wants a clarification of the scope and limits of the draft directive to ensure it will not damage the European social model, and wants an impact study to be carried out into sensitive areas like health, social services, education and culture.