EU Integration’s Impact on Southern Europe’s Social Policy
Southern Europe’s Social Policy Adjustments
Southern European countries have experienced some loss of autonomy. However, achieving EU economic competitiveness has not drastically limited their levels of social protection.
Spain’s system continues to be based on Bismarckian principles and universal coverage, especially regarding healthcare. Social services cover all citizens, not just workers and their families. Additionally, two parallel trends have emerged: controlling costs and improving service efficiency, alongside universalizing certain areas. This increases resource redistribution to citizens who haven’t contributed to the social security system, aiming to prevent exclusion.
Globalization prompted economic adjustments and social policy rationalization during EU integration. This resulted in positive outcomes for Southern European economies, including Spain. First, the Maastricht Treaty helped regulate inflation and public deficits. Second, social policy became more efficient and increased focus on those excluded or at risk of exclusion.
Conversely, Southern European countries lost autonomy in labor market regulation due to the globalization of products traded on open markets. Governments must redirect social policies to meet new needs arising from this process. Efforts have been made to ease labor markets, which were comparatively rigid.
EU Social Welfare Policy Strategies
The EU as a Supranational Entity
The EU, as a supranational entity, establishes comprehensive policy strategies intended to influence the national policies of its Member States.
According to analysts like Ailish Johnson, the EU’s configuration as a supranational entity stems from factors like the coexistence of diverse welfare states and how institutions presented incentives and opportunities for cooperation.
EU social policy has developed, with varying intensity, since the Treaty of Rome (1957). Key areas include:
- Market regulation
- Working conditions
- Equal opportunities
- Health and safety
- Labor mobility
- Social protection
- Social inclusion
Despite EU achievements, establishing a common social policy is an ongoing process. New social risks continually emerge, posing challenges to the European social model. Creating effective and equitable policies remains a priority objective.
Key EU Social Welfare Documents
Treaty Establishing the European Community (Rome)
Signed in Rome, its objectives included measures concerning: employment; social policy, education, training, and youth; public health; economic and social cohesion; and the environment.
- Employment (Title VIII): Proposed developing a coordinated employment strategy, aiming to boost skilled, trained, and adaptable labor markets responsive to economic change.
- Social policy, education, training and youth (Title XI): Article 36 promotes: employment promotion, improved living and working conditions, proper social protection, social dialogue, human resource development (to achieve high and sustainable employment), and combating exclusion.
- Public health (Title XIII): Article 152 aims for: improving public health, preventing human illness, obviating health dangers, combating major diseases (supporting research into causes, transmission, prevention), and promoting health information and education.