ABSTRACT

The neo-liberal project of the 1980s has failed. Within Europe it has presided over low levels of growth, high levels of unemployment and growing social and regional disparity. More than ever Europe requires policies committed to active macro-economic management and full employment. Such policies, however, will be insufficient on their own to tackle regional problems or the problems of building a ‘Social Europe’. In turn, and paradoxically, tackling these problems will be central to achieving full employment, and ultimately, creating a secure base for cohesion.