The paper examines the concept of services of general economic interest in the light of delimitation of vertical competences and responsibilities between the Community institutions and the Member States. The concept of services of general economic interest is also analysed in terms of the related concepts of universal service, public service obligations, (public) undertaking and economic activity. Furthermore, limitations on the provision of services of general economic interest arising from the EC Treaty rules and exemptions from these general rules provided for in Article 86(2) are reviewed.
European Public Law