The EC social charter, social democracy and post‐1992 Europe

Abstract

The proposal by the EC Council of Ministers to establish a 'Social Charter' has the intention of harmonising various aspects of working conditions in the member states. However, the Social Charter, and the philosophy underlying it, can be criticised on several grounds for its restrictive implications and undesirable economic, legal and political effects. It also leans towards favouring a social democratic ideology and particular organised interests at the expense of general public ones. Attention should be given to securing effective decentralisation in the EC to counteract the dangers implicit in bureaucratisation and social regulation.