Differentiation and social policy

Abstract

The notion of ‘European Social Model’, often linked to the creation of a common European social policy, has captivated scholars for decades. Although social policy remains a competence of member states, there have been some developments at the supranational level, especially since the global financial crisis and subsequent Great Recession of 2008–2009. This is manifested in the discourse used by the European Commission and the successful ratification of four key directives setting EU-wide minimum standards in the social and employment fields (such as the Work-Life Balance Directive or the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive). The chapter investigates the potential for a differentiated European Social Model. It first offers a brief historical overview of attempts to transfer social policy competence to the European level, arguing that a window of opportunity was missed with the failure of harmonizing social policy in the early stages of European integration. It then discusses the current state of affairs, drawing on different European actors’ stances on establishing common European standards in the field, and emphasizes recent changes adopted by the European Commission to promote harmonization as a response to the Great Recession. Finally, this chapter discusses whether support for a supranational European social policy exists and whether the existence of a (vertically or horizontally) differentiated European Social Model would be sustainable.