Brussels, 29/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - Services of general interest (SGI) are at the core of the European social model, José Manuel Barroso had told MEPs at the end of September 2006 (see EUROPE 9273). But they will have to go on waiting. Promised for end 2006 by the president of the European Commission, the communication that was supposed to present the follow-up to the White Paper on SGI is this time announced for the spring. It appears in fact on the agenda of the meeting of the College of Commissioners scheduled for 21 March, the Commission side has announced.
In its opinion on the White Paper on SGI, the EP called on the Commission to launch the appropriate initiatives. This general formula allows not only the PES Group to continue to weigh in favour of a framework directive but also the EPP-ED Group to give preference to the sectoral approach in this field. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has launched an on-line petition calling for a framework directive (see EUROPE 9316). (mb)