► 11 October 2011: Consultation "The review of the State aid rules for services of general economic interest"
The European Commission publishes the proposals for the new texts regarding the application of state aid rules to Services of General Economic Interest (SGEI) for consultation of Member States and stakeholders before submitting a final text to the College. The new rules are expected to be adopted by the end of January 2012. The Commission has already consulted extensively on the revision of the so-called Monti-Kroes package of rules applying to services that are of general interest but of economic nature, in other words where public and private sector cohabit.
In his speeches on the subject, Vice President Almunia has said that the main objective is to have clearer and simpler rules to make life easier for the public authorities and the service providers, to put less emphasis on local services that often involve small compensation amounts and focus more on the services that have a cross-border impact. He plans to extend the range of social services that are exempted from prior scrutiny - currently only hospitals and social housing benefit from such safe heaven - and to introduce a specific de minimis rule to exclude the very small and local services. The ultimate goal is to contribute to making services of general economic interest more efficient, including because public finances in many countries are in need of repair and taxpayers' money should be carefully spent.
ENSIE contribution
► 11 September 2011: Consultation "The Social Business Initiative: Promoting Social Investment Funds"
The consultation seeks feedback on possible options for aiding social businesses by means of investments from private individuals channelled through investment funds. Investment funds are an established mechanism for matching investors and those seeking investments, and could help social businesses get funding. Some initial feedback on the Single Market Act has suggested certain barriers to funding social businesses in this way might exist, because of the nature of these businesses, and possibly because of existing rules applying to those running funds. The consultation outlines some of the issues and asks for input on possible next steps.
ENSIE contribution
► 27 May 2011: Consultation "A possible successor instrument to the EU programme for employment and social solidarity - Progress 2007-2013"
The Commission has undertaken the review of its financial instruments for the next post-2013 multiannual financial framework. The EU programme for employment and social solidarity, – PROGRESS (2007-2013), is also subject to a review. In this context, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion invites you to take part in the public consultation on a successor instrument. This public consultation aims to collect your insights and suggestions regarding the design, added value, objectives, actions, budget and delivery of such a successor instrument. Your input can help us shape it to best address your current and future needs. Source: European Commission
ENSIE contribution
► 18 April 2011: Consultation "The modernisation of EU public procurement policy – Towards a more efficient European procurement market"
Public procurement is confronted today with new challenges: high public deficits and thus the need for the most efficient use of public money but also the growing demand that public purchasing contributes to the achievement of overall societal goals (innovation, fighting climate change and promoting social inclusion). This consultation launches a public debate on how legislation could be updated to help public procurers cope with these challenges. The Commission will draw on the contributions to the consultation in preparing the future legislative proposal on the reform of the EU public procurement rules. Source: European Commission
ENSIE contribution
► 28 February 2011: Consultation "Single Market Act"
The Single Market Act has been adopted by the European Commission on 27 October 2010. It consists of 50 policy proposals that are being submitted to public debate for a four month period running up to 28 February 2011. Following this, the Commission will propose to seal the commitment of the other Institutions on a final version of the Single Market Act. Source: European Commission
ENSIE contribution
► 10 February 2011: Consultation "Future action to support the promotion and validation of non formal and informal learning"
Countries around Europe are increasingly emphasising the need to take account of the full range of an individual’s knowledge, skills and competences – not only those acquired at schools, universities or other formal education and training institutions. Recognising all forms of learning is therefore a priority of EU action in education and training. Source: European Commission
ENSIE contribution