Giovanni Guiglia

This paper focuses, first, on the gradual development of Social Services of General Interest (SSGI) by the Community law, reconstructing the conceptual distinctions made in the broader category of Services of General Interest (SGI). Second, in light of these distinctions, the Author analyzes the EU legislation applicable to social services, highlighting in particular the positions of the European Commission and the Court of Justice. Communications Commission and judgments of Court of Justice indicate, however, the propensity of European institutions to apply internal market and the competition rules to Third sector, not minding the values that such persons act in their favor: equality, solidarity and social justice. This approach penalizes Third sector and threatens to undermine the European Social Model and the same social and territorial cohesion of the Union. The entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and the new role will therefore be called upon to play the Charter of Fundamental Rights can, however, to conduct, both case-law and on that legislation, new forms of balance between the principles and values. However, we should ensure equal and balances, therefore, SSGI, and through which social rights are realized, in turn, being the expression of these principles and values, should be properly regulated by EU law and not left solely to the Court of Justice. Otherwise the same process of European integration is likely to hang, are legitimate concerns and distrust of citizens of the Member States relating to the European Social Model that shows the current time.