Social policy in the European Union: state of play 2021

摘要: Preface2016 saw the European Union (EU) facing some of its most difficult challenges since its creation. For the first time ever, the unthinkable scenario of a Member State leaving the club became a reality, creating the risk of a domino effect that could lead to the disintegration of the EU. That same year, the refugee crisis reached its climax, painfully illustrating the lack of solidarity among the Member States and the resulting ineffective EU responses. Yet, 2016 was also the year when policymakers became painfully aware that the status quo was unsustainable, when debates about future scenarios developed and concrete proposals were tabled.