Diversity and Commonality in European Social Policies

Social Policies in Europe "... aside from its significance as a novel perspective on the European Social Model (now understood as an amalgam of interconnected social policy traditions of West - ern and East-Central Europe, with common underlying ideals and goals), this study presents a complex but highly illuminating picture of the evolving systems of welfare protection at the beginning of the new, more globally aware century. Unable to change the national institutional trajectories and welfare ideologies, the supranational agents (EU) can nonetheless force nations to make constant accommodations in labor and social policies - not so much overriding the distinct features of each country, but rather constantly reminding all Europ - eans of the ambitious goals and traditions that they share. Making us aware of these complex processes with the help of rich and up-todate empirical evidence is perhaps the greatest contribution of this book. I recommend it highly to both scholars and experts on comparative social policy around the world." Professor Tomasz Inglot - Minnesota State University