Good Governance via the OMC? The cases of Employment and Social Inclusion

Abstract

Governance in social policy is critical in the context of a deeper, wider and increasingly diverse Union, but also a politically delicate Union. Via the Lisbon Strategy, there is increasing awareness of the legitimate existence of a role for the EU in the area of social policy, where 56% of EU citizens view the role of the EU positively. 1 It is thus crucial to understand exactly how the EU not only via directives, but also via the Open Method of Coordination (OMC), governs the employment and social inclusion policies of the Member States. A centre-piece in this debate is the White Paper on Governance that established five “Principles of Good Governance” Openness, Accountability, Participation, Effectiveness, Coherence – to establish “more democratic governance”. 2 This has been followed by vivid academic commentary 3 that influenced the debate and actions at European level. 4 The White Paper on Governance is, now as much as ever, a vibrant and relevant basis for assessing the empirical governance of different instruments in various policy areas.