The European Union's social dimension: from market to welfare?

This paper outlines the development of social policy-making in the EU (European Union). It argues that contrary to the prognoses and judgements of many observers, the social dimension is rapidly emerging as a key factor in EU policy-making and governance. In some policy areas, the development entails reinforcement and elaboration of earlier policy considerations, for instance, in the area of occupational safety and work environment. Other policy developments-in the areas of employment, public health, food, anti-discrimination, gender equality, and fundamental rights-are largely recent, having emerged in the 1980s, and give an entirely new profile to EU policy-making and governance.