Assessing the Open Method of Coordination: Institutional Design and National Influence of EU Social Policy Coordination

Description:

Based on the findings of a large-scale, comparative research project, this book systematically assesses the institutional design and national influence of the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) on Social Inclusion and Social Protection, at the European Union (EU) level and in ten EU Member States.
Besides offering novel empirical and theoretical insights into the operation and impact of the OMC, the book presents an up-to-date perspective on the future of social policy coordination within the Europe 2020 Strategy. The book is required reading for anyone concerned with understanding the contribution of new forms of governance to the past and future development of Social Europe.

Contents:

1. Institutional Design and National Influence of EU Social Policy Coordination: Advancing a Contradictory Debate
2. Tracing the Social OMC from its Origins To Europe 2020
3. Is the Social OMC Fit for Purpose? Adequacy and Institutional Design, 2006-2010
4. An OMC for all Policies: is Belgium (still) the Best Pupil in the Class?
5. The Social OMC in France: the Realm of the Happy Few?
6. The Social OMC in Germany: Slow but Steady?
7. The Social OMC in Denmark: European Ideas Meet Domestic Politics
8. The Social OMC in the UK: Beyond Cheap Talk?
9. The Social OMCs at Work: Identifying and Explaining Variations in National Use and Influence