ABSTRACT
This chapter first outlines the development of the EUs internal and external social policies. It then describes the effects of the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and of the ongoing global economic crisis on the EUs internal and external social policies. European social policy in the founding Treaty of the European Economic Community (EEC) was limited to the free movement of workers, equal pay and cooperation in the area of social security. The main point of reference to determine the EUs competence in the sphere of external social policy is the Court of Justice of the European Unions (CJEU) Opinion 2/91 on the division of competences between the European Community and the Member States to conclude an International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention on Chemicals at Work. Finally, the Lisbon Treaty establishes a High Representative for Foreign Affairs, aided by the European External Action Service to conduct the EUs common foreign and security policy.
