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Abstract:
European Union member states have always sought to share a common vision of an economic and social model that would be a blueprint for all states to follow, and one that would make Europe both prosperous and different from other parts of the world. For many European countries this blueprint has traditionally been the European Social Model. This is a system based on a high level of social protection, social dialogue and public services to cover activities vital for social cohesion. Economic and political developments since the 1990s have made the blueprint less clear and attractive.
The crisis in the Western European welfare state and the economic reforms stemming from this crisis have led to changes in the economic and social models of the EU member states, giving rise to a debate on the viability of the European Social Model. This issue has become increasingly complex and dynamic following successive eastern enlargements of the Union.
This book examines whether the recent economic, social and political developments in the European Union and its member states require the Union to revise its belief that Europe can effectively compete with the United States and the emerging economies. This volume brings together a wide range of policy experts from both old and new European Union member states, as well as from the United States, and presents their insights, observations and research on this key issue. This book is a useful companion for all interested in the debate surrounding the future of economic and social models in Europe.
Contents:
Part I: The creation and reform of socio-economic systems at the national level
1. Lessons from Sweden’s Welfare State: An American-Swedish Perspective - Birgitta Swedenborg
2. Flexicurity in Denmark: A Model for Labor Market Reforms in the EU? - Per K.Madsen
3. Slovakia: A Story of Reforms - Ivan Mikloš
4. The Czech Socio-Economic Model and its Evolution from the Start of Transition to 2007 - Karel Dyba
5. Institutional Transplants in the Transformation of Poland’s Economy and Polity - Jacek Rostowski
6. The European Union and the New Member States’ Dilemmas: The Case of Poland - Wojciech Bieńkowski
Part II: Economic growth and security in comparative perspective
7. New Challenges for the European Model and How to Cope With It - Karl Aiginger
8. Beyond Models and Regulations: Eastward Expansion vs. Retrenchment in the 'New' EU? - Walter D.Connor
9. Economic Freedom, Confidence and Growth - Steve H.Hanke
Part III: Key sectors in the search for growth and security
10. Public Finances and Structural Reforms in the US and the EU: Lessons for the New Member States - Filip Keereman & Siegfried Steinlein
11. Competition and Solidarity in Higher Education: A Reform Proposal Aiming at Improving Quality and Enhancing Security: Example of Hungary - Lajos Bokros
12. Growth versus Security Choice and the Generational Difference in Preferences - Stanisław Gomułka
*13. In Search of a Perfect Regulatory System - Ewa Freyberg
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