EU Socio-Economic Governance in Central and Eastern Europe: The European Semester and National Employment Policies

This book investigates the impact of the European Semester on national employment policy in four EU member states of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. It finds that the European Semester can influence policy change through external pressure, mutual learning, and creative appropriation, with key contributing and inhibiting factors. It provides policy recommendations for the European Semester process.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the profound impact of the European Semester on national employment policies within four EU member states of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. Employing an innovative theoretical and methodological framework, it conducts extensive empirical research through in-depth interviews with esteemed experts in the field. By examining the intricate relationship between EU preferences, exemplified by the yearly list of country-specific recommendations, and national policy responses to these suggestions, the book seeks to ascertain the extent to which policy change can be attributed to the influence of the European Semester.

Through its analysis, the book identifies three potential mechanisms of European Semester influence on policy change: external pressure, mutual learning, and creative appropriation. It also identifies key contributing and inhibiting factors that shape the dynamics of policymaking within the European Semester framework.

In addition to its analytical insights, the book offers a range of policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the organization and functioning of the European Semester process. These recommendations are of paramount importance to students, academics, and practitioners in the fields of European and EU politics, EU socio-economic governance, EU social policy, European integration, soft Europeanization, and the Europeanization of Central and Eastern Europe.

By exploring the intricate interplay between the European Semester and national employment policies, this book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on EU governance and policymaking. It sheds light on the mechanisms through which the EU influences national policies and offers practical recommendations for policymakers seeking to navigate the complexities of the European Semester framework.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367697532