Services of General Interest

COFACE sets great store by the continued existence of a significant provision of non-commercial services of general interest (SGI) in the Member States of the European Union. As a voice for families in Europe, especially those who for various reasons (inability to pay, living in remote areas, physical or mental disability, age, etc.) have limited or no access to market services, COFACE is concerned that the SGI sector in its totality -commercial and non-commercial services alike- is gradually slipping into the market sphere.

The liberalisation of services should not lead to the disappearing of SGI. Water, gas or electricity supply services, as well as postal services are not only essential for families but also allow harmonising the way of life on the entire territory. COFACE wishes that these services were taken into particular consideration in the legislation. Quality and accessibility for everyone should remain the fundamental principles of this category of services.

Financial services

COFACE has been arguing the necessity to provide a free bank account covering essential features such as withdrawal and money transfers for all citizens. The rationale being the following: in the last few decades, it has become impossible to receive any money transfer by other means than via a bank account. Payments in cash are no longer possible. Therefore, a person without a bank account cannot receive a salary, social or family benefits, effectively excluding him/her from society.

Another aspect of financial services is credits, especially mortgages which mostly concern families. Over-indebtedness is a problem as such, but for a family, it has a most dramatic set of consequences. Children growing up in poverty, living in an inadequate environment, inadequate housing… bodes ill for their healthy development.

COFACE has promoted measures such as the positive credit history file to ensure responsible lending and borrowing and prevent over-indebtedness.

COFACE is in the midst of drafting a position on credit insurance based on findings of widespread abuse and discrimination in the matter.