ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the relationship between the economic and social policies of the European Union (EU) and their joint impact upon social exclusion and citizenship. It focuses upon two questions: given the EU's economic strategies are its social policy objectives feasible? and what are the implications of the EU's economic and social policies for citizenship within the European Union? The chapter considers the dilemma between the application of a neo-liberal economic strategy, and the promotion of economic and social cohesion and the reduction of social exclusion. It summarizes the background to the European Community and the EU economic and social policy strategies. The chapter also considers the EU's two major statements of economic and social policy, Growth, Competitiveness, Employment and European Social Policy: a Way Forward for the Union. The chapter concludes that if 'economic and social cohesion' and the reduction of social exclusion are to be meaningful for the EU's citizens.
