The provision of Services of General Interest in Europe: regional indices and types explained by socio-economic and territorial conditions

Abstract

This paper analyses the provision of services of general interest (SGI) in European regions. The EU policy goals connected to SGI address fair access and support for social and territorial cohesion. A comprehensive view of SGI and, specifically, the different domains of Services of General Economic Interest and Social Services of General Interest enable us to discuss regional dependencies in respect of SGI provision in relation to various territorial, social and economic contexts. Significant patterns of SGI provision on two regional levels - European and sub-national - are detected, and socio-economic conditions are identified as the prime drivers.