ABSTRACT
Reading the conclusions of the eight European summits between 1992 and 1997 (Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Brussels, Corfou, Essen, Cannes, Madrid, Florence) and following the discussions of the Intergovernmental Conference on the reform of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), employment finally seems to have acceded to the community agenda. To which extent does the new European employment approach differ from the community social policy carried out previously? Who are the key actors that are behind the process ? (Which community institutions? Which member states?) On which actors will the employment results depend on in the future? After recalling the acquis communautaire as regards employment issues, we will analyse the different elements of the European employment strategy, i.e. the Essen multilateral surveillance procedure, the employment confidence pact of J. Santer, the “instillation” of employment in various community policies (especially in the structural funds) and the inclusion of an employment chapter in the revised Maastricht Treaty during the intergovernmental conference.
