The European Social Model as an element of European identity. Special reference to the German case

Policy Brief

The European Social Model has been loosely defined as a comprehensive welfare system combined with institutionalized industrial relations.

Since the Treaty of Rome in 1957, the European Union countries progressively developed a set of national and collective regulations and institutions relating to social policy and welfare. The social dimension accompanying the Economic and Monetary Union became the so-called “European Social Model”, a fundamental part of the EU acquis that Member States have implemented in different ways.

Solidarity and responsibility sharing, in line with the letter and spirit of the Lisbon Treaty is needed.