(5 December, Brussels, 2008) The leaders of Europe’s social democratic and socialist parties have made the adoption of a European Framework for public services a key demand of their manifesto for the European elections 2009
(link: http://www.pes.org/downloads/PES_manifesto_2009-EN.pdf ).
The PES manifesto “People first: A new direction for Europe”, was adopted in Madrid this week. EPSU General Secretary Carola Fischbach-Pyttel stated that this was a decision that will; “give hope to public service workers throughout the EU that their vital role in society will at long last be recognized at the European level”. Ms. Fischbach-Pyttel stated that she; “looked forward to working with representatives of all progressive parties to achieve a strong European framework for public services”. She added that; “between now and the first week of June (European election week) the EPSU ‘public service pledge’, launched at the end of November, will promote these links”.

The public services section from the PSE manifesto ‘People first: A new direction for Europe: “We propose to establish a European framework for public services, guaranteeing universal and equal access for citizens, quality, local autonomy and transparency in public services, maintaining their integrity as defined at national level, so that European competition and business rules do not run counter to citizens’ rights. The social and environmental criteria for awarding European public contracts should be extended and strengthened”.

The manifesto was drawn up following a nine-month consultation involving over 300,000 visits to the consultation website, some 120 meetings across Europe, over 500 written contributions on-line, and more than 60 formal submissions from NGOs, trade unions, foundations and member parties.