Evropski socijalni model – mit ili stvarnost
European Social Model — Myth or Reality

Summary/Abstract: The paper discusses different understandings of the European social model, its layering and particularity, but also the indisputable fact that the European Union has come a long way in terms of social policy and that it has its own social dimension. The paper starts with a brief history of European social policy, and provides arguments that confirm, but also refute the thesis of the existence of a unique European social model. The author analyses the basic characteristics of the European social model as a supranational model which is still in the process of development and is largely based on the soft law and an open method of coordination. However, the paper emphasizes understanding this model as a complex system of values that grows out of the idea that economic and social progress are inseparable, and that European countries share common values in the field of social policy. The European social model is, therefore, perceived as a common vision of European countries for a society that offers full employment, quality jobs, equal opportunities, social protection for all, social inclusion, and social dialogue. This model as a system of values and norms must also be accepted by the candidate countries in the integration process when they want to access the EU. The paper also raises the question of what the future fate of the European social model is and how likely its further development is, bearing in mind the challenges that the Union is facing, and the resistance of those who see the social policy as the last form of defence of national sovereignty.

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