ABSTRACT
Inequality in its multiple forms (poverty, discriminations, territorial or environmental inequality, etc.) remains unacceptably high on a continent as prosperous as Europe. The European Union (EU) has claimed its far-reaching ambitions to fight the different facets of inequality, notably in Article 3 of the Treaty on the European Union, through an important body of law, and a wide range of policy instruments in domains. Does the European Union live up to these ambitions? This is the question at the heart of this book which focusses on three areas, namely anti-discrimination, mobility, and the welfare state. This conclusive chapter sums up the findings of the volume in terms of changing forms of inequality, renewal in the legal provisions and policy instruments at the disposal of the EU, and providing an assessment of their effectiveness and legitimacy. Reflections on avenues for policy making and scholarship are also provided. Overall, the chapter draws a nuanced picture, showing how EU law and policy making are catching up on challenges, at different paces in different areas. It also points to how the EU’s action is often insufficient, against the background of political disagreements, and how scholars can help to shed a relevant light on issues pertaining to inequality.
