This paper seeks to provide an introduction of the European Employment Strategy (EES), its role in the European Union, with a special focus on assessing the EES after five years being in practice. A short historical overview will be followed by an assessment of the strenghts and weaknesses of the EES. Finally the open method of coordination (OMC) as a key feature of the EES will be discussed concerning its strengths and weaknesses.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Historical overview
1.1. The origins of the EES
1.2. The advanced EES
2. Strengths and weaknesses of the European Employment Strategy
3. Strengths and weaknesses of the Open Method of Co-operation
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper provides an introduction to the European Employment Strategy (EES), examining its role within the European Union and assessing its effectiveness after its first five years of practice, while analyzing the shift from traditional policy to the Open Method of Coordination.
- Historical evolution and origins of the EES
- Implementation of the "Essen Strategy" and later Treaty developments
- Assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the EES
- Analysis of the Open Method of Coordination (OMC)
- Challenges and future perspectives regarding EU enlargement
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. The origins of the EES
The idea of a co-ordinated European approach to employment was initiated by the former EU (European Union) Commission´s President Delors´”White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment” in 1993. It marked a turning point in the field of employment policy, that had ever since been a national task supported solely by elements of intergovernmental cooperation that were mainly promoted by the European Commission.
The next important stage concerning an employment policy co-ordination at European level was the European Council in Essen, Germany, in 1994. There it was agreed on five key objectives, also called the "Essen Strategy", to be pursued by the Member States. These were: the development of human resources through vocational training, the promotion of productive investments through moderate wages policies, the improvement of the efficiency of labour market institutions, the identification of new sources of jobs through local initiatives, and the promotion of access to the world of work for some specific target groups such as young people, long-term unemployed people and women.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the purpose of the paper to evaluate the EES after five years and introduces the focus on the Open Method of Coordination.
1. Historical overview: Details the transition from national employment policies to a coordinated European approach, starting from the 1993 White Paper to the Treaty of Amsterdam.
2. Strengths and weaknesses of the European Employment Strategy: Discusses the complexities of measuring the EES's impact and its role in fostering policy convergence versus its limitations in legal and fiscal influence.
3. Strengths and weaknesses of the Open Method of Co-operation: Examines the OMC as a regulatory mode and its function as an innovative governance tool despite concerns regarding legislative authority.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the EES's success in promoting new labour paradigms and highlights the future challenges related to welfare state sustainability and EU enlargement.
Keywords
European Employment Strategy, EES, European Union, Employment Policy, Open Method of Coordination, OMC, Labor Market, Essen Strategy, Amsterdam Treaty, Policy Convergence, Social Policy, Governance, Unemployment, Labour Market Institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper provides an introduction to the European Employment Strategy (EES), analyzing its historical development and evaluating its impact on employment policies within the European Union after five years of implementation.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The core themes include the historical transition of employment policy at the European level, the institutional framework of the EES, the Open Method of Coordination, and the challenges posed by EU enlargement and welfare state maintenance.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of the European Employment Strategy as a policy instrument, particularly focusing on its successes, limitations, and its role in coordinating member states' efforts.
Which scientific methods were used?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis, drawing upon official EU documents, secondary literature from political scientists, and an evaluation of historical policy milestones like the Essen Strategy and the Amsterdam Treaty.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the origins of the EES, its evolution, the strengths and weaknesses of the strategy itself, and a detailed examination of the Open Method of Coordination as a governance mechanism.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include European Employment Strategy, Open Method of Coordination, labor market, policy convergence, European Union, and institutional governance.
How does the author view the shift from the Essen Strategy to the Treaty of Amsterdam?
The author identifies the Treaty of Amsterdam as a "breakthrough" because it provided a clearer legal basis and more forceful tools compared to the purely political commitment seen in the initial Essen Strategy.
What role does the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) play in the EES?
The OMC serves as an innovative governance approach that relies on soft law rather than hard sanctions, allowing for flexibility and diversity in national policies while still working toward shared European employment objectives.
- Quote paper
- Joanna Mastalerek (Author), 2004, European Employment Strategy - historic overwiew and five-year assessment, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/22204
