Public services: not a cost, but an investment in democracy

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Social rights
608 Plenary session

Public services should not primarily be regarded as a cost to public finances, but as a strategic investment in democracy, social cohesion, economic development and the functioning of the EU. This is the core message of an opinion adopted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on how the sector can adapt to new challenges in the EU.

The argument is particularly relevant in the context of crises. Demographic change, digitalisation, climate-related disasters, hybrid threats and health emergencies are increasing the demands placed on public administrations. In the opinion drafted by Mateusz Szymański: "The public service sector in the EU adapted to new challenges", adopted at the September plenary session, the EESC argues that investing in preparedness and maintaining sufficient public-service capacity can ultimately be less expensive than dealing with the consequences of crises once they occur.

'Public services that are well-resourced, accessible and staffed by competent and motivated personnel are the bedrock of just states, democracy and the ability to respond to threats', said Szymański, adding that 'unfortunately, a negative narrative regarding their usefulness and costs undermines their authority and erodes trust in public institutions'. 

For the rapporteur, 'it is these services that guarantee citizens the right to participate fully in social life and ensure a level playing field for business', concluding that 'it is time to look after them so that they can respond to whatever the present and the future may bring.' 

 

 

A cornerstone of democratic societies

The EESC considers that high-quality, accessible and affordable public services are a cornerstone of democratic societies, social cohesion, economic development and the effective functioning of the European Union, and that public services should be recognised as a strategic investment serving the common good.

For this reason, the Committee calls for an EU action plan on services of general interest, building on the recommendations contained in the Letta report, systematic monitoring of their quality, and adequate financing, including through the next EU long-term budget (MFF). 

The cost of public services

Public services perform essential state functions, promote equal treatment and are also necessary for businesses and the functioning of the economy. Recent crises, including Covid-19, hybrid threats from Russia and severe weather events, have demonstrated the importance of preparedness and continuity of services. 

The EESC argues that maintaining adequate public-service capacity can cost less than dealing with the consequences of unforeseen crises. The Committee emphasises that a source of additional funding could be fair and effective taxation by addressing tax avoidance, evasion and fraud. Citizens and businesses should not feel that they pay their fair share of taxes while others do not.

Regaining citizens' trust

The EESC warns of the risk of a vicious cycle forming between underinvestment, deteriorating services and declining public trust. Poor services can reduce citizens' confidence in public administrations, leading to support for policies that lead in further cuts. 

But weak public services can increase inequality, social tensions and exclusion and weaken democracy. For this reason, the EESC opposes austerity policies that weaken public-service capacity and calls for long-term investment.

Digitalisation of public services

The EESC believes that digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) usually contribute to the efficiency and accessibility of public services, provided that human oversight, transparency, interoperability and data protection are guaranteed. 

According to Eurostat, in 2025, 72% of EU residents aged 16–74 used a public authority website or app, up from 70% in 2024 and 67.6% in 2022. But the national differences are enormous: 98% in Denmark, 96 % in the Netherlands, Finland and in Sweden, compared with just 24% in Romania, 36% in Bulgaria and 57.7% in Italy.

That's why the opinion also states that governments should not abandon traditional ways of communicating with citizens, underlining that direct contact with public-sector workers should remain possible, particularly for vulnerable people, and that citizens retain the right not to use certain services digitally.

An unattractive career

The EESC also identifies serious staffing shortages and the declining attractiveness of public-service careers, linked to low wages in many areas, less stable employment and the perception of public services primarily as a cost.

A career in the public service is in many cases no longer considered as attractive as it was in the past, and there are also well-known problems with low wages in many areas, which are unable to compete with the private sector. Over the years, the prestige of serving the state has therefore declined.

The Committee calls for stable but flexible employment, career development and continuous training, better work-life balance and stronger occupational health and safety. Psychosocial challenges have become one of the key issues in a sector where there is much discussion of excessive workloads due to staff shortages, stress and professional burnout.

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