On 1 May 2004 the EU will enlarge to 25 member states. Member states are uncertain what they will gain or lose from enlargement and they are concerned about the implications for the functioning of the EU. Talk is even of enlargement as a u0093leap in the darku0094. The reports in this study deal...

This paper outlines the social and economic consequences of the anti-crisis measures adopted in Ireland since 2008. The paper attempts to put the Irish case in an international context, comparing its experience with that of other selected EU countries. The study will concentrate on quantifiable...

Research into the importance of social and economic cohesion policies in the context of the new financial framework 2014-2020 and the impact that trade union organisations could have in this process.

At European level, the debate on flexicurity is currently high on the employment and social policy agenda. Member States are reflecting on the best way to adapt their systems to the "new reality" of maintaining the balance between the need for flexibility in the labour market to allow companies...

The coming enlargement of the European Union is an opportunity and a challenge for taking decisions on a substantial reform of its institutional framework. After the negative experience of the past Intergovernmental Conferences leading to the Treaties of Amsterdam and Nice, the preparation of...

The legal basis of collective bargaining in Austria is laid down by the Labour Constitution Act (ArbVG). According to the ArbVG, collective agreements can be concluded only between collective organisations of employers and employees. Therefore, the Austrian labour law systematically benefits...