ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book considers the historical legacy of the concept and the reasons for its insertion in the Treaty, the advancement of social rights at the EU level simply cannot be achieved under the ideal of a 'social market economy'. It shows that the underlying and unresolved issue is the balance of powers between the EU and its Member States and that transnational solidarity must be strengthened in order to cement a lasting 'social' shift in the law relating to EU citizenship. The book argues that the Commission has sought out, and potentially achieved, a more appropriate balance between the main objective of preserving competition in the internal market, and social objectives on the other. It examines the 'social market economy' is embedded in those provisions of EU international investment agreements that aim to preserve States' powers to adopt measures in the public interest.
