2005
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
328 pages / hardcover
ISBN number: 978-1-4039-4354-5
This book argues that the economic weakness of the EU is the result of its very restrictive economic policy. The book advances from a comprehensive critique of macroeconomic, social and structural policies towards a concrete concept for a democratic European social model based on the objectives of full employment, welfare, social equity and ecological sustainability.
Contents
Introduction: The European Social Model: A Contested Concept
Part I: Critique of Economic Policies in Europe
European Integration (1974-2004): Towards a Neo-Liberal Zone
Macroeconomic Policies: A Self-Defeating Regime
The Drive for Financial Integration: Stability and Inclusion at Risk
The Attack on the Public Sector
The ‘Modernisation’ of Social Policy: A Critique of Pension Reforms
Employment through Labour Market Flexibility? A Critical Appraisal of the European Employment Strategy
Europe’s Environment in a Bad Shape
Structural Policies: Weak and Market Biased
Agricultural Policy: The Need for Reform
Trade Policy: Weak and Too Liberal
Enlargement: Not Enough Support for New Members
Policy Co-ordination; Legitimate and Effective?
Part II: Proposals for Alternatives
The European Social Model: Basis for a Strategy
More Active Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies
Fiscal Policies: Stronger Co-ordination and Higher EU-Budget
Labour Market Policies: Higher Standards
Taming European Finance: Stability, Efficiency and Inclusion
A Strong and Democratic Public Sector
A Secure Future for Pensions
Pathways to a Sustainable Europe
Structural Policies: Wider and More Ambitious
Common Agricultural Policy: A New Governance Regime
Trade Policy: Towards a New Concept of Fairness
How to Get from Here to There?
