Glossary:Tertiary sector
The tertiary sector is the sector of the economy that concerns services. It is distinct from the secondary sector (manufacturing) and the primary sector (which concerns extraction such as mining, agriculture and fishing). Services generate around 70 % of the EU's GDP and employment.
Further information
The EU's Services Directive (0123/2006) seeks to remove barriers for SMEs in a broad range of services. Services covered by the Directive include:
- Distributive trades (including retail and wholesale of goods and services)
- Construction services and crafts
- Business-related services (such as office maintenance and recruitment)
- Tourism/travel agents
- Leisure services (e.g., sports centres and amusement parks)
- Equipment Installation and maintenance
- Information society services
- Accommodation and food services
- Training and education
- Rental and leasing (including car rental)
- Real estate services
- Household support services (e.g., cleaning, gardening and private nannies)