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https://doi.org/10.3935/rsp.v10i3.110
Towards a Convergence of European Social Models?
Chantal Euzéby
; Université Pierre-Mendès-France
Séverine Chapon
; Université Pierre-Mendès-France
Abstract
The European Union (EU) has chosen to construct itself through its currency. The social dimension has been left at a secondary level, based on the principle that economic progress will end up “pulling” social models “upwards”. This optimism now looks somewhat misplaced. For a whole series of reasons, European social protection systems are threatened by regression: the emergence of liberal economic ideas, the need to be competitive, the implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact, the fact that the differences in the levels of remuneration and social benefits in Euroland are more evident owing to the single currency and, as a result, the harsher social and fiscal competition. If Europe wishes to avoid the risks of social fragmentation due to the “levelling down” of social protection, it will have to organize a minimum threshold of EU solidarity.
Keywords
European Union; economic development; social protection; liberalisation
Hrčak ID:
30165
URI
Publication date:
1.3.2003.
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