Global Europe, social Europe - Anthony Giddens

This book makes an essential contribution to the debate now openingup over the future of Europe in the wake of the demise of theConstitution. Since 1989 much about the European Union has changed,including the very definition of 'Europe' itself. The EU hasenlarged to 25 countries and the division between Western andEastern Europe has disappeared.

The EU has responded positively to these changes, not only bymaking a success of enlargement, but by pushing ahead with theSingle Market and the Single Currency. These very successes,however, have led to a reaction. Those who voted 'no' in thereferenda in France and the Netherlands registered worries aboutEurope's future, especially on a social and economic level. Formany, 'social Europe' - the welfare states that offer protectionfrom the buffetings of the global marketplace - are under threat.Unemployment and low growth are seemingly becoming endemic acrossmuch of the EU.

How should pro-Europeans respond? What future is there for Europe'scherished social model? How will the EU deal with the competitivepressures coming from India, China and other industrialisingcountries? In this volume, leading contributors from a range ofcountries offer answers to these questions.