Seasons' Greetings
The European Federation for Services to Individuals (EFSI) wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a successful Happy New Year. We also take this opportunity to thank you for your inputs and interest in EFSI activities in 2019.
This past year has kept us busy with the May European elections and the entry into office of a new College of Commissioners chaired by Ursula von der Leyen on December 1. Since last June and after the publication of its 10 proposals for high quality, accessible and affordable PHS[1], EFSI has actively advocated towards new European decision-makers for further actions and stronger public support to PHS development, with a focus on decent working conditions, access to affordable and quality services, suitable legal and financial frameworks. It remains to be seen if the European Commission will deliver on our recommendations and build on the numerous planned initiatives for 2020 (e.g. on ageing society, the Pillar of Social Rights, gender equality) to further recognise the PHS sector and its contributions at European level.
2019 was also an important year in terms of knowledge building and sharing, starting with the 8th edition of European Conference on Personal and Household Services, which focused on innovation. Indeed, stakeholders discussed the impact of new digital technologies on the sector, namely with reference to home-based care services and online platforms. The Conference also shed light on how current statistical categories for PHS could be improved in the near future. The last panel explored the various risks faced by PHS workers, with a focus on occupational hazards caused by dangerous substances, as well as innovative solutions to tackle such risks.
Furthermore, in the framework of the Ad-PHS project, extensive research has explored the current PHS state of play in 21 EU Member States. With the aim to build knowledge and initiate a European-wide dialogue among PHS stakeholders on the challenges faced by the sector, nine national workshops[2] were held in 2019. Eleven[3] more will be held before the project ends in May 2020.
Finally, EFSI annual study tour took place in Rome. On this occasion, EFSI members could discuss challenges and opportunities for the development of care and domestic services in Italy with several national stakeholders.
As part of our commitment to support the development of PHS across Europe, we will continue to bring you newsletters and various publications on the sector. We are currently setting our agenda for 2020 and we look forward to continuing our fruitful work and cooperation with you in the new year.
Happy holidays and warm wishes!
EFSI’s Secretariat
[1] The document is available in English and Italian, and will be soon published in French.
[2] In Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.
[3] In Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.