Social rights and the new EU economic governance: seeking convergence

This working paper aims to provide a critical assessment of the impact of the economic and financial crisis on the protection of fundamental social rights in the euro area. It is based on a comparative analysis of national and European case law in connection with the macroeconomic adjustment programmes in the euro area Member States receiving financial assistance. The austerity measures have been challenged before the relevant authorities at national and European level within the Council of Europe and the EU, with mixed results. It also examines new issues raised by the introduction of the European Stability Mechanism from the angle of fundamental rights. Finally, the initiative for a European Pillar of Social Rights is placed in the broader context of the multilevel protection of social rights in Europe. Converging approaches are needed.