The European Social Model

There is no definition of “European Social Model”. Nevertheless, the Lisbon summit of March 2000 stated that “the European social model is based on good economic performance, a high level of social protection and education and social dialogue. An active welfare state should encourage people to work, as employment is the best guarantee against social exclusion”.
The authors of this book aim to make a contribution to the current international debate on the future of Europe, taking into account that the word “model” hints at a progressive convergence of views among Member States on the broad objectives which they seek to achieve in employment and social policies.
Starting from the role of the EU institutions and the Union’s competences, viewed also in the light of the Constitutional Treaty, this book analyses different aspects of the European Social Model, paying particular attention to the protection of fundamental rights, the freedom of movement of persons, and social dialogue at European level.