Towards a Just Europe: A Theory of Distributive Justice for the European Union

João Labareda's book examines the problem of distributive justice in the European Union and proposes concrete policy proposals to achieve a just Europe,such as a threshold of basic goods for all EU citizens,an EU labor code,a minimum EU corporate tax rate,and an EU fund for competitiveness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This groundbreaking work stands as one of the earliest and most comprehensive examinations of distributive justice within the European Union. João Labareda posits that the collective political institutions established at the EU level, including the European Parliament and the Court of Justice of the EU, engender democratic obligations of redistribution among EU citizens. Moreover, the economic framework of the EU, characterized by a unified market, a common currency, and a free-movement area, triggers reciprocal responsibilities among member states. Labareda contends that the fulfillment of these duties should be shared by local, national, and supranational government levels. He advocates for the EU to function as a safety net for national welfare systems, adhering to the principle of subsidiarity, while also ensuring that common market and Eurozone regulations strike a balance between efficiency targets and fair cooperation terms. The book presents concrete policy recommendations, including the establishment of a threshold of essential goods for all EU citizens, the implementation of an EU labor code, the establishment of a minimum EU corporate tax rate, and the creation of an EU fund for competitiveness. Labareda argues that his proposals align with the political cultures of the member states, are economically feasible, can be translated into functioning institutions and policies, and are compatible with the limited degree of social solidarity observed in Europe. This book constitutes a significant contribution to our understanding of what a just Europe would entail and the steps necessary to achieve it. Its relevance extends to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10, which aims to reduce inequalities.

Dimension: 234 x 156 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526174505