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In this prescient book, Dominic Afscharian outlines the meaning and implications of 'social Europe', questioning why citizens do not see a European Union with a 'human face' in their everyday lives. Identifying the key political actors in the European Parliament and Commission, he explores the dominant ideologies that govern influential institutions and political parties and demonstrates how these inhibit political change.

Afscharian analyses the main proponents and opponents of European social integration, examining policy frameworks, the welfare state and social policy principles. He provides insight into ideational struggles in the EU, covering party conflict and opposing political alliances within the European Commission. Chapters set an agenda for how stalemates in European integration can be overcome, presenting an in-depth exploration of the history of European unemployment insurance as a key example. The book lauds the individuals who are determined to realise a disruptive vision of a Europe that protects its citizens, considering what this means for the future of European integration at large.

Ideas of Social Europe is an essential guide for scholars, academics and students in political science, social policy, sociology and economics. Its advocacy for a stronger social Europe, coupled with its theoretical and empirical approach, will also greatly benefit political strategists, policy organisations, think tanks and policy advisors.