Following the French and Dutch rejection of the draft constitutional Treaty, many questions have arisen about the European Union's political model, its social model, its geographical borders and limits, its founding principles and its identity. Is Europe in deep crisis, or is crisis its usual way of operating? Does enlargement consign the project of the founding fathers to history, or does it force today's political leaders to go back to basics? There is no lack of questions and controversies. In a sense, this proves that the EU has now gone beyond technical issues and is becoming a fundamentally political entity. Too soon or too late, some will say, but the debate is now underway.

The contributors to this edition of Social Developments in the European Union examine the European social model, from both the inside and the outside, the governance of the euro zone, the political priorities outlined in the financial perspectives for 2007-2013, and recent and forthcoming enlargements. They also highlight the important role of political, economic and social stakeholders in debate around the "better legislation" initiative, the Lisbon strategy, European social dialogue and the issue of pensions. The forum for debate plainly acquired a strong European dimension in 2005. Perhaps the way out of the present crisis might therefore be to devise a coherent new project and promote the emergence of political players who are prepared to implement it.

Support: Digital;Paper

Legal deposit : D/2006/10.574/16