The Open Method of Coordination: Α Sound Instrument for the Modernisation of the European Social Model

Abstract

The scope of the Second Chapter of the Report is to discuss the possibilities and the weaknesses of the Open Method of Co-ordination (OMC), as a new governance tool in promoting the European Social Model (ESM) and securing social cohesion in the EU. This much promising policy of OMC is added to the traditional means of governance such as legislation, social dialogue and other non-binding instruments that are used till now effectively for the construction of Social Europe. Following the introductory section, the second section of this Chapter examines OMC as a sound instrument of multilevel governance respecting subsidiarity and national diversity. The third section briefly analyses the emergence of the different OMsC ís in the social policy sphere of the EU members and provides us with a comparative approach of the different OMsCís as well as a with a presentation of the successful implementation of OMC in the economic field (EMU, Stability Pact). In the fourth section , on the basis of empirical evidence, the two most significant elements of OMC, the learning mechanism and the participation process are scrutinized. The fifth section analyses the external conditions necessary for successful implementation of OMC. In the sixth section , there is a discussion regarding the future evolution of OMC in the light of the mainstreaming process in the social policy area. Concluding there are developed some thoughts about the role of OMC in the modernization of the European Social Model.

Keywords: European Social Policy, OMC, European Social model