Milieu to support the European Commission on its understanding of the access of citizens to essential services across the European Union

In 2017, the European Parliament, the Council and the European Union Commission proclaimed the European Pillar of Social Rights at the Gothenburg Summit. The Pillar sets out 20 key principles which represent the beacon guiding us towards a strong social Europe that is fair, inclusive and full of opportunity in the 21st century.

Principle 20 of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) provides a non-exhaustive list of essential services, which includes water, sanitation, energy, transport, digital communications and financial services. Essential services support basic human needs to live and to function in society. The ability to access essential services, enshrined as a right in the European Pillar of Social Rights, is a critical aspect of social and labour market inclusion and an important determinant of well-being, especially for disadvantaged groups.

In November 2021, the European Commission mandated Milieu to undertake a study on the access to essential services within the European Union in order to advance understanding on this issue, by compiling all available information in a comprehensive way at the EU and national level.