Social Developments In The European Union 2013

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The European Union has faced a significant period of rising anti-EU sentiments and challenges in implementing renewed socio-economic governance. Amidst this backdrop, European institutions have engaged in discussions aimed at overcoming recession and revitalizing integration. Despite many Member States adhering to strict austerity measures—while 27 million Europeans remain unemployed and a quarter of the population faces poverty—there is a consensus among stakeholders, particularly the trade union movement, on the necessity of an EU-driven growth strategy. This 2013 edition of Social developments in the European Union offers essential insights from analysts and scholars. Contributors critically assess recent EU economic governance and propose guidelines for a strengthened EU social protection and investment plan. Key proposals include a pan-European unemployment insurance scheme and an EU minimum income scheme, alongside an emphasis on the gender dimension in social policies. Additionally, the volume reviews national labor market policy reforms. Although the European economy remains bleak, the proposed institutional and policy reforms present an opportunity to forge a new path for Europe.