Abstract: The European social model was developed mainly in comparison with US social and economic performance. The crucial distinction was that Europe had a much better track record in social affairs than the US. This paper examines whether or not the Lisbon objective of more competitiveness and growth will endanger the basic values of the European model. Taking into account recent trends in core dimensions, such as employment, social dialogue, social protection and cohesion, there appears to be an American-style evolution of the model.
International Journal of Comparative Labour Law and Industrial Relations