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This book examines the four factors that challenge the fate of the European social model: globalization, monetary union, Eastern enlargement and digitalization. It then highlights where common EU policy can be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem, which was too often the case in the past.
Published in association with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), this book examines the four factors that challenge the fate of the European social model: globalization, monetary union, Eastern enlargement and digitalization. As a former EU Commissioner for Social Affairs, the author represents the rare combination of a top policy maker and a profoundly knowledgeable political economist. Andor’s book offers both first-rate analysis and imaginative ideas for the reforms needed to cope with these four factors. He leads us through the “ups” of post World War II policy design in the West and the vision of a post-communist regime in the Centre-East before going on to examine the EU-wide “downs” due to cultural neo-conservatism and the trajectory of EU macro governance. Having taken stock of some of the main threats to the social model, he goes on to highlight where common EU policy can be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem – which was too often the case in the past.
“This book on Europe’s social integration makes vividly clear that welfare state and social policy is again at the core of political debate in Europe. The twenty-first century’s megatrends require Europe to implement bold policies that fit today’s challenges.”
— Anna Diamantopoulou, chair of the High-Level Group on the future of social protection and of the welfare state in the EU
“According to Andor, four ‘apocalyptic riders’ challenge the fates of the European social model: globalization, monetary union, Eastern enlargement and digitalization. As a former EU Commissioner for Social Affairs, the author represents the rare synthesis of a top policy maker and a profoundly knowledgeable political economist. His book offers both first-rate analysis and imaginative ideas for the reforms needed to cope with those apocalyptic riders. Anyone interested in the future of the EU’s ‘social dimension’ will greatly profit from studying this excellent work.”
— Claus Offe, Professor Emeritus of Political Sociology, Hertie School
“It is debatable whether there is a European social model at all, but what is certain is that there are many threats to social cohesion and sustainability in Europe. László Andor’s book takes stock of some of the main threats and highlights where common EU policy can be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem, which was too often the case in the past.”
— Ann Pettifor, director of PRIME (Policy Research in Macroeconomics) and fellow of the New Economics Foundation
“What makes the European Union a ’community’? A systematic search for the ’social reform of capitalism’ is possibly the best answer. Andor analyzes this quest using a rigorous conceptual framework, leading us through the ’ups’ of post World War II policy design in the West and the vision of a post-communist regime in the Centre-East. He goes on to examine the EU-wide ’downs’ due to cultural neo-conservatism and the trajectory of EU macro governance, concluding with a discussion of today’s issues and challenges.”
— Fabrizio Barca, former minister for territorial cohesion in Italy and coordinator of the Forum on Inequalities and Diversity
“As Gandhi once said of Western civilization, so one might say of European social democracy: it would be a very good idea. Combining knowledge, experience and hope, László Andor here presents a comprehensive and yet potentially realistic vision of how true solidarity across Europe might yet be designed and achieved.”
— James K. Galbraith, Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr. Chair in Government/Business
László Andor is a Hungarian economist. He was the EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion between 2010 and 2014 and a member of the Board of Directors of the EBRD between 2005 and 2010. He has taught courses on economics, politics and the European Union at his alma mater Corvinus University (Budapest) and at the Hertie School in Berlin, the ULB in Brussels, Sciences Po in Paris, and the European University Viadrina (Frankfurt, Oder).
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