Welfare States and Social Europe

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Abstract

This chapter examines the tensions between welfare states, on the one hand, and social Europe on the other, and the colliding principles in their historical setting. In particular, this chapter focuses on SSGIs as core institutions of the welfare state and the political response to the European impact on these public services, looking in particular at health care and long-term care. The findings point out that that although Member States attempt to create ‘safe havens’ to protect their welfare policies from European law, these may not prove to be lasting firewalls against the ‘creeping competences’ of the EU. Over time SSGIs have become Europeanized, limiting the scope and policy options for national politicians and national administrations. Additionally, the administrative space of SSGIs is increasingly multi-level, forcing administrators at all levels to take EU rules into account, when welfare programs are designed, adopted, and administered.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSocial Services of General Interest in the EU
EditorsUlla Neergaard, Erika Szyszczak, Johan Willem van de Gronden, Markus Krajewski
Number of pages20
Place of PublicationThe Hague
PublisherTMC Asser Press
Publication date1 Jan 2013
Pages53-73
Chapter3
ISBN (Print)9789067048750
ISBN (Electronic)9789067048767
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2013
SeriesLegal Issues of Services of General Interest

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