A European Social Union : why we need it, what it means

摘要: Arguments on 'social Europe' need to give an unequivocal answer questions of why, what, and how. With regard the question which is main focus this paper, I argue that, whereas ten years ago quest for operational description European social model might have been dismissed as interesting but not strictly necessary, today it no less than existential conundrum Union. EMU must be complemented with a genuine Social Union, sustainable in long term. The why logically implies what: Union means that EU would guide support substantive development national welfare states, basis general standards common objectives, leaving ways policy Member States. That presupposes sufficient degree consensus goals policy. It also requires pan-European solidarity based reciprocity relationships between Pursuing briefly sketch some elements ensuing agenda, notion investment. identify urgencies respect how, particularly restore unity economic policy, short long-term how relate ‘contractual approach’ proposed by President Council, Herman Van Rompuy.