Enlargement and Social Policy in the European Union
Enlargement and Social Policy in the European Union : Enlargement in the European Union (EU) offers the prospect of uniting the European continent on the basis of shared ideals and agreed common values. It will bring enhanced political stability and enhanced security, making it possible for countries to take full advantage of the internal market and to attract the foreign investment necessary to ensure innovation, employment and sustainable, longterm economic growth rates above the present EU level. But the benefits of EU membership go far beyond trade and investment. Implementation of a social policy based on the Union's values and accomplishments can also boost competitiveness. Social policy is not about spending and regulation, but is a productive factor that brings benefits for the economy, for employment and for competitiveness. The European social structures are rooted in the triple principles at the heart of the EU: competition between firms, solidarity between citizens, and partnership between the various actors in society to build a common vision of the future. They are based on shared values of equality and are distinguished by their universal nature and by the extent of their social support systems. These characteristics mark out the EU in relation to most of the rest of the developed world. A strong commitment to full employment and social solidarity,a high level of social protection as a stabilizing force and productive factor, the protection of workers rights, the promotion of gender equality, the fight against discrimination and the importance accorded to an active dialogue between employers and employees are the cornerstones of a distinctly European social contract. But beyond that, Europe is part of a dynamic process. Therefore, it is not sufficient to build institutions to meet current minimum standards. They also have to be able to adapt and meet ever-changing circumstances to meet the challenges of the world economy. As is clear from the above, there is an important employment and social dimension to the enlargement process. The EU has developed binding rules on working conditions, equal opportunity, and health and safety in the workplace. Member States have stepped up their policy cooperation on employment and social protection. The European Social Fund supports the implementation of the European Employment Strategy in Member States. The EU attaches a high level of importance to the involvement of the social partners and representatives of civil society in the policy debate. See: Enlargement of the European Union; European Employment Strategy (EES); European Social Fund (ESF)
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