Europe’s social integration

Welfare models and economic transformations

Book

04/10/2022

The European social model has been subjected to diverse debates, often doubting its existence or announcing the end of such a model. Published by FEPS in association with the London Publishing Partnership, this book examines the four factors that have challenged the fate of welfare states and social standards in Europe: neoliberal globalization, monetary union, Eastern enlargement and digitalization. 

As FEPS Secretary General and former EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, the author represents the rare combination of a top policymaker 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 bold initiatives for a “Social Europe” by Jacques Delors, before going on to examine the EU-wide “downs” due to cultural neo-conservatism, the ill-conceived free market experiment in the East, and the trajectory of EU macro governance. 

Having taken stock of some of the main threats to Europe’s social models, the book delivers chapters explaining how the EU social dimension was strengthened in response to two recent crises: first, the 2009 great recession and the subsequent eurozone crisis, and more recently the dramatic outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

It appears that major economic transformations and, in particular, the risk of intra-EU imbalances, divergence and polarisation drive social policy integration among European countries. The author 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.

You can buy the book in paper format here (look for the “Next” button below the total price on the next page)

📺 Watch here the Interview with FEPS Secretary General László Andor about his book ‘Europe’s social integration: Welfare models and economic transformations’ at the Call to Europe Prague conference Addressing the Crises: Costs. COVID-19, Climate and Conflict.

Find all related publications
Publications
04/02/2025

Tackling tax avoidance

Reforming Capital Income Taxation in the EU
27/01/2025

Forging the new EU agenda

Progressive inputs for European economic policy
15/05/2024

Inequality and populism

FEPS YAN Series
14/05/2024

Tightening welfare belts again?

FEPS YAN Series
Find all related Progressive Post
Progressive Post
23/10/2024

Europe’s demographic challenge: policies for sustainable generational renewal

European demography is characterised by an ageing population, driven not only by increased longevity but […]
23/10/2024

Gender equality can help to shape the demographic and economic outlook

Policies that promote gender equality – investing in the professional care work sector, boosting recognition […]
23/10/2024

Harnessing Africa’s demographic trend

Regarding demographics, the stories of Europe and Africa are like night and day – vastly […]
Find all related events
Events
Past
07/02/2025
Helsinki, Finland

International tax policy at crossroads

FEPS Fringe event at the Tax Conference Veroareena
04/02/2025
Brussels, Belgium

Capital and wealth taxation in the EU

Ways forward on the path for Social Justice
29/11/2024
Athens, Greece

Housing as an investment in Greece and Southern Europe

Private profit vs social value
Find all related news
News
27/06/2024

Join Tax the EU Billionaires Day!

Do you know that the richest 1% in Europe owns half of European wealth? Join […]
05/04/2024

FEPS supports the declaration of Portimão calling for affordable housing in the EU

Affordable housing needs Europe, Europe needs affordable housing
07/03/2024

Call for videos – Your Call to Europe

This call closed on 24/03/2024
09/10/2023

Tax the rich

A European Citizens' Initiative
Find all related in the media
In the media

The need to strengthen policies for a Social Europe

by Le Club de Mediapart 29/10/2024
Article by Le Club Mediapart about the presentation of FEPS Primer's Greek edition, 'Social Europe: From Vision to Vigour' with László Andor and Björn Hacker in an event coorganised with ETERON in Athens.

Megadóztatná a szupergazdagokat? Ha igen, most tehet valamit

by Zöld Hang 04/10/2024
'Would you tax the super-rich? If so, you can do something now' Interview to FEPS Secretary General, László Andor on the 'Tax the rich' EU initiative by the Hungarian newspaper Zöld Hang.

Socialistas europeos reclaman que la Europa social sea la prioridad de la futura Comisión

by EuroEFE 09/11/2023
'European socialists demand that social Europe be the priority for the future Commission' article about the 'Champions of progress: Progressives go the extra mile for Social Europe!' side event organized by FEPS and PES

“Trade doesn’t work in isolation from good domestic policies” Interview to Arancha González

by Borderlex 19/09/2023
Interview to Arancha González, former Spanish foreign minister, who released together with FEPS the new book entitled 'The Trade Handbook: Making Trade Work for Prosperity, People and Planet'