Social policy and the emergence of a European social model
Early times – difficult times : neoliberalism (« social progress results from free markets ») : social action program : crisis
The internal market & social policy Delors: A European Social Area BUT: not as strong as the internal market 1989 : Community charter of fundamental social rights BUT: no legal force SEA, 1986: New powers (working environment) + new actors (Trade Unions)
A new basis for social policy Maastricht (1992) & Amsterdam (1997): Increased powers (3 exceptions) Majority vote Increased role of social partners
A European social model? 4 dimensions: -Free movement of workers -Harmonisation of the laws ensuring workers’protection -Regulation of transnational situations -Protection of « social fundamental rights »
Current problems Hard times for harmonization (enlargement, states & EU institutions diverge, free market ideology prevails) Conflicts between economic freedoms and workers’ rights and protections (see Viking case, 2007)
Consequences “Flexicurity” doctrine dominates EX : directive on Agency work, 2008 Soft law (Open Method of Coordination, OMC) prevails over hard law