The European social model and the shortcomings of the active welfare state

摘要: Since 2008, the European Union, and especially Eurozone, is hit by a deep economic crisis that translates into rising unemployment, poverty rates, inequalities. Even if some countries, like Italy, Greece, Portugal,and Spain, face more serious social challenges than others, similar trends occur almost everywhere. However, we should remember even before situation was deteriorating in many despite factthat an “open method of coordination” (OMC) on inclusion had been launched Commission 2000.Of course, one could hardly deny fact actually amplifies these problems. In this paper, I will nevertheless argue it would be too simplistic to have exclusive focus current downturn. Indeed, order think about new welfare strategies, need look at what has failed policies designed so far. When they do so, increasing number researchers now conclude were implemented during 2000s, i.e. first decade OMC inclusion, very limited impact – or negative justice across Europe. My modest aim policies, general level (section 1), second specific level, through illustrative examples member-state, Belgium 2). The following sections are not based first-hand research, but rather aimed reviewing most interesting features academic discussion Belgium. paper relies although exclusively research conducted experts Belgium’s advanced centre policy, Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy University Antwerp.