Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion in European Union Law

This book explores the potential role of European Union law in combating poverty and social exclusion in the European Union. Despite a commitment to lift 20 million people out of poverty, the EU has only met a quarter of this target, and over 113 million people are still at risk. The book argues that EU law can contribute to this policy objective by examining social policy instruments, fundamental rights, and the constitutional framework of the EU. It will interest scholars and policymakers in EU law, labor and social security, human rights, political science, and social and public policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The potential role of European Union law in combating poverty and social exclusion within the European Union is explored in this comprehensive book. Anti-poverty strategies have been a central focus of the European Union's agenda for decades, with a pledge made by Member States to lift 20 million people out of poverty over a decade ago. However, despite this commitment, the EU has fallen short of its target, with over 113 million people still at risk of poverty and social exclusion by the end of 2020. This book seeks to address the gap between a well-developed EU policy strategy and the lack of direct legal action to combat poverty and social exclusion.

By examining the role of social policy instruments, fundamental rights, and the constitutional framework of the European Union, the book makes a compelling case for the contribution of EU law to the policy objective of combating poverty and social exclusion. Drawing on a range of disciplines, including law, politics, social policy, and economics, this book will appeal to scholars and policymakers interested in EU law, labor and social security, human rights, political science, and social and public policy.

The book begins by examining the historical context of poverty and social exclusion in the European Union. It highlights the persistent challenges faced by vulnerable groups, such as low-income families, marginalized communities, and individuals with disabilities, and the need for comprehensive policies to address these issues. The book then explores the role of social policy instruments in combating poverty and social exclusion, including social security systems, labor market policies, and social inclusion initiatives.

The book argues that EU law plays a crucial role in shaping these policies and promoting social inclusion. It highlights the EU's commitment to fundamental rights, including the right to social protection, the right to work, and the right to an adequate standard of living, as well as the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights. The book also examines the role of the European Court of Justice in interpreting and enforcing EU law in the area of social policy, emphasizing the importance of judicial oversight in ensuring that EU law is applied in a manner that promotes social inclusion and combats poverty.

In addition to examining the legal framework, the book also explores the political and economic factors that contribute to poverty and social exclusion. It examines the role of market-driven economic policies, globalization, and the impact of austerity measures on vulnerable groups. The book argues that these factors exacerbate social inequalities and undermine the ability of individuals and communities to escape poverty.

The book concludes by making recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to address poverty and social exclusion in the European Union. It calls for a more holistic approach that combines legal, political, and economic measures to promote social inclusion and combat poverty. It also emphasizes the need for increased investment in social infrastructure, education, and training programs to support vulnerable groups and promote economic mobility.

Overall, this book provides a valuable contribution to the literature on poverty and social exclusion in the European Union. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the potential role of EU law in combating poverty and social exclusion and makes a compelling case for the need for a more coordinated and effective approach to addressing these issues. The book will interest scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of EU law, social policy, and social justice.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032119090