In the beginning of their term the Red-Green German Government has resolved to adapt overall policy up to the model (Leitbild) of an "activating welfare state". By means of the recent labour market and social policy reforms according to "Hartz-Commission" and "Agenda 2010" we can see the effects...

Conservative critics of European economic policies argue that high and persistent European unemployment is caused by institutional rigidities which are traced back to welfare states and union strength. By contrast, low US unemployment is attributed to high labour market flexibility. These claims...

The study discusses welfare reforms in the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) in relation with the adaptation processes of Western European welfare states on the one hand, the accession preparations of the CEEC on the other. Policy approaches and outcomes are scrutinized for labour...