Early today, Eurodiaconia published its new briefing for our members on European economic policies.

In the EU, economic policy is the remit of each individual Member State. While there is no proper economic policy conducted at EU level, multilateral coordination of economic policies between countries takes place to promote economic and social progress for the EU and its citizens. This framework for coordination has been modified significantly since the crisis which exposed its weaknesses. It is still in the process of reforming nowadays. Article 3 of the Treaty on the European Union states that the EU “shall work for the sustainable development of Europe based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress […]”. The EU is therefore legitimate to act in the field of economic policy with the objective of promoting the development of the economic, employment, and social situation in Europe for the benefits of citizens.

The new Eurodiaconia briefing on European economic policies is aimed at providing its members with an understanding of the main challenges relating to European economic policy, and how this impacts social policies and their work. The briefing highlights the developments of European economic policy which has evolved considerably since the 2008 economic crisis, as well as the state of play and ongoing changes. It also demonstrates the interrelation between European economic policy and European social policy, and their impact on the policies at national and local levels.

To know more about the European economic policies, check our new briefing for members.