ETUI-EPSU Conference: Austerity, Economic Governance reforms and social policies in Europe

22 – 23 February 2011

Brussels, Belgium

The purpose of this conference is to debate how the fiscal austerity measures and economic governance reforms currently undertaken and planned in the EU in the aftermath of the financial crisis are likely to change European societies, especially with regard to social policies and institutions and the size of the state.

The conference will take stock of the current economic governance reform proposals and critically discuss the assumptions they rest on and their implications, particularly with regard to the quality of public finances; examine the implications that fiscal austerity packages have had so far and are likely to have in the future for sustainable growth, social policies and public spending in the member states; and debate whether they are compatible with different visions about the future of European societies and social policies and if not, what alternative policy options should be considered.