The document discusses the Horizontal Social Clause (HSC) and its potential role in strengthening social policy in the European Union. The HSC requires all EU policies to consider social objectives, but effective implementation would require mainstreaming social goals, comprehensive social monitoring, and social impact assessments of policies. The Europe 2020 strategy presents an opportunity but also challenges, as its governance does not fully integrate social objectives. Strengthening economic governance also risks neglecting social inclusion without proper social safeguards. The HSC could help ensure social impacts are considered in EU socio-economic governance.

1. Strengthening Social Europe through the Horizontal Social Clause Jonathan Zeitlin (U of Amsterdam) Eric Marlier (CEPS/INSTEAD)