Services of General (Economic) Interest and EU Law

This book is a follow-up to the 2009 volume The Changing Legal Framework for Services of General Interest in Europe — Between Competition and Solidarity. The contributions in the current book take stock of the developments regarding such services. Furthermore, the volume explores key concepts and principles relevant to contemporary issues. Confirming the significance of Services of General Interest (SGIs) in EU law, the 2009 volume concluded that the concept contributes to shaping a framework for the functioning of public services that balances the benefits of competition with the principles of solidarity. The aim of the current book is to take stock of and critically assess recent noteworthy developments, with particular attention to emerging and important issues. To that end, the analysis focuses on developments in healthcare, digitalization, and sustainability.Over the years, numerous SGEI cases have emerged in the healthcare sector, reflecting its central role in national social welfare systems. The digitalisation transition has also significantly impacted modern societies, and SGIs are no exception. Accordingly, attention is given to how this transformation has influenced SGIs. In light of the pressing global challenges, sustainability has become a key priority, and its implications for SGIs are likewise examined.This edited volume is aimed at academics, practitioners, government officials and policymakers dealing with EU affairs.Narine Ghazaryan is an Assistant Professor of International and European Law in the Department of International and European Law of the Faculty of Law of the Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.Johan van de Gronden is a professor of European Law in the Department of International and European Law of the Faculty of Law of the Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands and State Counsellor in extraordinary service at the Dutch Council of State.Simon Tans is a Lecturer in Environmental Law at the Law Group at Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.Marc Veenbrink is an Assistant Professor of European Law in the Department of International and European Law of the Faculty of Law of the Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.