This essay is designed to give an overview over the development and the main features of the European Employment Strategy (EES). Furthermore it explains in brief the theoretical background of EES, mainly the open method of co-ordination (OMC).
Finally there is a short assessment of the value of EES and OMC for the European Integration process in social matters and in general.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The European employment strategy (EES)
1.1. The development of the EES
1.1.1. The history of European Employment Strategy
1.1.2. Reasons for the establishment of the EES
1.2. The main features of the EES
1.2.1. The course of action
1.2.2. The reforms of EES in 2003
1.3. The theoretical background
1.3.1. Integration theories
1.3.2. The Open Method of Co-ordination (OMC)
1.3.3. The principles of the EES process
1.4. Assessment of the value of EES and OMC for the European Integration process
Objectives and Core Themes
This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the development, functional mechanisms, and theoretical foundations of the European Employment Strategy (EES), with a specific focus on the Open Method of Co-ordination (OMC) and its role in European integration.
- Historical evolution of European employment policies since the 1993 Delors White Book.
- Structural design and procedural framework of the EES under the Luxembourg process.
- Neofunctionalist perspectives and the role of intergovernmentalism in labor policy.
- Operational principles of the Open Method of Co-ordination, including benchmarking and country surveillance.
- Critical assessment of the effectiveness and democratic legitimacy of current EU employment strategies.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1.1. The history of European Employment Strategy
As a base for the development of European strategies on employment is considered the “Delors´ White Book” on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment from 1993, which for the first time drew the same attention to employment issues as to economic growth. In Maastricht in 1993 there had already been established a macro-economic co-operation, but which did not focus on the structural problems of labour markets. (European Commission, 2003a, p.1) Until the European Council of Essen the co-operation between the Member States on labour market issues was purely intergovernmental with the Commission promoting and giving technical support. (European Commission: 2003a, p.1/2)
In Essen in 1994 the European Council agreed on five key objectives to be pursued by the Member States, such as the development of human resources through vocational training. These objectives were accompanied by a number of recommendations and conclusions. Although the political commitment to the issues of employment became definitively stronger, still an clear legal base, a permanent structure and a long-term vision was missing. (European Commission: 2003a, p. 2)
This changed with the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997. Here, a new title for employment was introduced into the Treaty. The responsibility of the Member States for employment policy remains untouched, but the role of the European institutions especially of the Council and the Commission is much stronger now. Furthermore the goal of high level of employment gains through its introduction into Art. 2 of the Treaty of the EU (TEU) the same importance as the macro-economic objectives of growth and stability. Moreover employment is emphasised as an issues of common concern. The Luxembourg Jobs Summit in the end of 1997 launched on the basis of Art. 128 EC the EES in its current form, also called Luxembourg-process. (European Commission: 2003a, p. 2)
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the scope of the essay regarding the development, features, and theoretical background of the EES, including an assessment of the OMC.
1. The European employment strategy (EES): Provides the foundational historical context and the rationale for shifting employment policies to the EU level.
1.1. The development of the EES: Traces the evolution of employment policy from early Maastricht agreements to the formalization of the Luxembourg process.
1.1.1. The history of European Employment Strategy: Details the key milestones, including the 1993 Delors White Book and the 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam.
1.1.2. Reasons for the establishment of the EES: Explains the necessity of the EES as a response to economic integration and structural labor market challenges.
1.2. The main features of the EES: Describes the regulatory framework and the procedural course of action defined in the Treaty.
1.2.1. The course of action: Outlines the annual cycle of guidelines, reports, and the role of the European Council and Commission.
1.2.2. The reforms of EES in 2003: Discusses the move toward a more streamlined approach and the creation of the European Employment Task Force.
1.3. The theoretical background: Analyzes the emergence of the EES through the lens of neofunctionalist integration theory and intergovernmentalism.
1.3.1. Integration theories: Compares spill-over effects with the retention of national sovereignty in labor policy.
1.3.2. The Open Method of Co-ordination (OMC): Defines the five core characteristics of the OMC, including subsidiarity and management by objectives.
1.3.3. The principles of the EES process: Focuses on the learning process approach, monitoring, best practices, and benchmarking.
1.4. Assessment of the value of EES and OMC for the European Integration process: Critically evaluates the impact of the OMC on European integration and addresses issues like democratic legitimacy.
Keywords
European Employment Strategy, EES, Open Method of Co-ordination, OMC, Luxembourg process, European Union, Labor market, Integration theory, Neofunctionalism, Intergovernmentalism, Employment policy, Benchmarking, Subsidiarity, European Council, Social policy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the European Employment Strategy (EES), detailing its historical development, operational features, and theoretical underpinnings within the European Union.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The work explores labor market policies, the evolution of EU treaty frameworks regarding employment, the mechanism of the Open Method of Co-ordination, and the broader context of European integration.
What is the core objective of the EES as discussed in the text?
The EES aims to foster co-operation among Member States to reach high employment levels, using a flexible, non-binding procedural framework rather than hard law.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The study utilizes a policy analysis approach, synthesizing historical documents, EU treaty texts, and existing integration theories to evaluate the efficacy of the EES.
What topics are addressed in the main body?
The main body covers the development history (from the Delors White Book to the Amsterdam Treaty), the procedural course of action under Art. 128 EC, the 2003 reforms, and a deep dive into the theoretical framework and principles of the OMC.
How would you characterize the work's primary keywords?
Key terms include European Employment Strategy, Open Method of Co-ordination, integration theory, benchmarking, and subsidiarity.
What does the author conclude about the effectiveness of the OMC?
The author views the OMC as a beneficial tool for fostering co-operation in areas where traditional integration is difficult, but notes significant limitations regarding democratic legitimacy and legal enforceability.
How does the author view the future of EES in the context of enlargement?
The author suggests that EU enlargement will increase the obstacles to integration, noting that the diverse labor market systems of new members may make the existing EES processes more difficult to implement.
- Quote paper
- Georg Schwedt (Author), 2003, European Employment Stategy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/54535
