Social Protection, the European Union and its Member States

Abstract

Today social protection in Europe is at a crucial moment of its history. With the advances of the integration of the European Union (EU) and the development of the internal market, social protection within the member States of the EU comes under increasing pressure and a new balance has to be found between the four freedoms² of the internal market and social justice for all European citizens. A somewhat parallel evolution may be observed at the world level through globalization and promotion of free trade by the World Trade Organization (WTO) which by themselves will not bring about social justice and prosperity for everyone. A new development model based on social justice and solidarity is needed and new initiatives have to be imagined so that growth and development policies will lead to real freedom for all (Sen, 2001).