Already in 1950s, the Schuman Declaration stated that the goal of the European integration process should be the equalization of standard of living and working conditions in the member states. While the EU’s role in employment and social policy remains controversial, there is talk about "European Social Model."
Despite a rise in living standards, social inequality remains a concern, the gap between rich and poor is widening, and unemployment has been a major concern, as has gender inequality and the situation of minorities and migrants in particular. How compatible is the neo-liberal agenda of the EU with the goal to achieve (social) equality of these groups? Is the EU the demise or the rescue of the European welfare state?

Learning Objectives

  1. Learn what is meant by the "European Social Model" and familiarize yourself with current social issues in the member states.
  2. Identify the main social problems that the member states have agreed to cooperate on.
  3. Find out how the main political actors, trade unions and employer associations view the EU’s role in dealing with social questions and labor standards.

Study Guide

  1. Print pdf version of study guide.
  2. Read about the current social situation in the member states Jens Alber 2006 & Alber tables 2006 .
  3. Go to European Commission’s Employment and Social Affairs. Identify what the main areas of employment and social policy that the Commission has been involved in.
  4. What do the following organizations view as the current and/or future problems facing "Social Europe”? Visit the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) ,
    the Union of Industrial and Employers’ Confederations in Europe (UNICE),
    and the European Centre of Enterprises with Public Participation and of Enterprises of General Economic Interest (CEEP),
    the Federation of European Employers    , and
    European Social Forum.