How the European Union Keeps the Social Welfare Debate on Track: A Lawyer's View of the EU Instruments Aimed at Combating Social Exclusion

In: European journal of social security, Band 4, Heft 2, S. 117-150

Abstract

The article provides a legal perspective on the current debate on combating social exclusion at the EU level. In the first place, it attempts to provide a legal definition of the concept of social exclusion. It then investigates whether there have been any dramatic changes in the competencies of the EU to act in the field of social exclusion since the Treaty of Amsterdam came into force. The open method of coordination, the Treaty of Nice and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights are all assessed regarding their potential for combating social exclusion.