Globalisation in the community, how can we shape a more social Europe

April 6th, 2008by Noel Hatch

Europe is unique in the way it tries to combine a free market economy with social justice. But things are changing with globalization and our ageing society. Conservatives say we can no longer afford high standards of social and environmental protection. We say our welfare states are our strength, that a society in which everyone can participate, contribute and benefit will be a strong and prosperous society. We say our welfare states must be renewed - not dismantled: reformed to meet new challenges, not taken apart. The PES agreed 10 Principles for a New Social Europe at our Congress at the end of 2006. But what should be our priorities for 2009-14? What should be done at the European level in the years ahead?

We launched our debate on the New Social Europe theme of the PES Manifesto Consultation with a range of exciting speakers:

• David Schoibl, Chair of Labour Movement for Europe (London & South East)
• Deborah Littman, Chair of London Citizens Living Wage Network & UNISON National Officer
• Henning Meyer, Head of European Programme, Global Policy Institute
• Michael Walsh, Research Director, Community
• Ben Richards, UNITE International Officer

• How can we reform of the European social model as part of reforming globalisation?
• How can we rebalance the great swing towards internal market reforms with better social policy reforms?
• How can we make social Europe a concern for everyone?
• How can we go in confidently and boldly about intervening and imposing a degree of accountability?
• Proposals from the floor on the New Social Europe debate

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