Abstract
Although with the Maastricht Treaty, European construction took a remarkable step forward, the robust pillar of the single currency started to shake the other one: the social welfare systems. The main goal of this contribution is to study the evolution of Social Protection in Europe by questioning the existence of a convergence between the different social welfare systems and the impact of the Treaty of Maastricht on this process. The evolution of the social protection concept in Europe, the reforms implemented in the most important domains of social protection: pensions, health and employment are analyzed. A common philosophy clearly appears. The welfare State is receding, calling more and more upon market mechanisms. Furthermore, the traditional binary typology is changing and countries are becoming more similar in their financing methods. We can thus say that a process of social convergence seems well and truly underway in the European Union.
Highlights
The European Union is built upon an explicit adhesion to liberal logic
We propose to present the status of social welfare, during the European construction and the changes which affected it
Did the systems of social welfare systems in Europe adopt a common philosophy susceptible to highlight similar features which could support the hypothesis of a Europeanization of social protection? These questions should enable us to discover if Europe remained faithful to its values and to its famous social model
Summary
The European Union is built upon an explicit adhesion to liberal logic. Initially, it was set up to unify the markets. The Welfare State, in particular the European social model establishes another older and more symbolic base. The Maastricht Treaty, through five convergence criteria, imposes on European economies, the nominal convergence, based on liberal ethics. We can wonder up to what point the European economic and monetary dynamics, and, in particular, the application and the preservation of the budgetary convergence criterion affect the nature and degree of state intervention in Europe. Other studies adopt a quantitative approach to the question, by carrying out econometric tests which consist in identifying the existence of an absolute or conditional convergence process. Other studies adopt a quantitative approach to the question, by carrying out econometric tests which consist in identifying the existence of an absolute or conditional convergence process2 In this contribution, we focus on the first approach.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
