Introduction

Today, many people agree that the EU lacks solidarity and needs a social dimension. This debate is not new, but until now the notion of a social Europe remained vague and elusive.

The Concept of a European Social Union

To make progress, we need a coherent conception of the reasons behind, and the agenda for, not a social Europe, but a new idea: a European Social Union. We must motivate, define, and demarcate an appropriate notion of European solidarity.

Legal and Political Challenges

We must also understand the legal and political obstacles, and how these can be tackled. In short, we need unequivocal answers to questions of why, what, and how: on that basis, we can define a clear-cut normative and institutional concept.

Purpose of the Book

That is the remit of this book: it provides an in-depth interdisciplinary examination of the rationale and the feasibility of a European Social Union. Outstanding scholars and top-level practitioners reflect on obstacles and solutions, from an economic, social, philosophical, legal, and political perspective.