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Europeanisation, mesogovernments and ‘safety nets’
Author(s) -
MORENO LUIS
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
european journal of political research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.267
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1475-6765
pISSN - 0304-4130
DOI - 10.1111/1475-6765.00069-i1
Subject(s) - europeanisation , decentralization , subsidiarity , devolution (biology) , welfare state , accountability , corporate governance , government (linguistics) , safety net , welfare , democracy , order (exchange) , public administration , european social model , political science , sociology , economic system , political economy , european union , social policy , economics , economic policy , politics , law , management , anthropology , human evolution , linguistics , philosophy , finance
. This article examines two processes: the adaptation of national systems of social protection to operate within a European framework and the decentralisation of ‘safety net’ policies at the meso‐level in order to favour territorial subsidiarity and democratic accountability. It reviews the concepts and assumptions involved in welfare state research before moving on to reflect upon the so‐called ‘European social model’. Decentralisation and a greater regional say in areas of policy making closer to citizens’ perceptions, such as the creation of ‘safety nets’, have often been linked to cultural or identity considerations. However, demands are also based on claims for policy innovation and more effective management, as illustrated by Spain's devolution of welfare powers to the regions. This article concludes that in order to build up a macro‐community based on trust in the ‘Old Continent’, more attention should be paid to the increasing role of medium‐size layers of government.