Bericht

An ever closer union among the peoples of Europe? Rising inequalities in the EU and their social, economic and political impacts: outcomes of EU–funded research

The European Treaty is based on an ‘ever closer union among the peoples of Europe’. Scientific research in social sciences and the humanities funded by the European Commission under the seventh framework programme shows that socioeconomic inequalities have generally increased in the EU over the last 20 years. A dual trend in inequalities has been observed during periods of economic growth as well as since the onset of the financial and economic crisis in 2008. First, inequalities reinforce the exclusion of already fragile citizens, trapping them into lives of exclusion from an early age. This issue triggers many questions as to what models of economic policy the EU should adopt and how these models should be combined with stronger social policies in favour of inclusion and solidarity. Second, rising inequalities threaten the quality of our democracies in Europe. Democracies thrive on equal treatment, proper regard to merit and opportunities for the excluded and the poor to live better lives. To ensure these rights, the EU needs to develop and implement targeted public policies in areas such as education and employment. This publication is aimed at supporting the agenda for jobs, fairness and democratic change put forward by Jean-Claude Juncker and the newly appointed European Commission.

Language
Englisch

Classification
Wirtschaft
Subject
aid to disadvantaged groups
equal treatment
EU Member State
poverty
quality of life
social inequality
social policy
socially disadvantaged class
socioeconomic conditions

Event
Geistige Schöpfung
(who)
Allmendinger, Jutta
Event
Veröffentlichung
(who)
Publications Office of the European Union
(where)
Luxembourg
(when)
2015

DOI
doi:10.2777/87868
Handle
Last update
10.03.2025, 11:43 AM CET

Data provider

This object is provided by:
ZBW - Deutsche Zentralbibliothek für Wirtschaftswissenschaften - Leibniz-Informationszentrum Wirtschaft. If you have any questions about the object, please contact the data provider.

Object type

  • Bericht

Associated

  • Allmendinger, Jutta
  • Publications Office of the European Union

Time of origin

  • 2015

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