Social Union, Convergence and Migration

Sinn, Hans-Werner and Ochel, Wolfgang (2003): Social Union, Convergence and Migration. In: Journal of Common Market Studies, Vol. 41: pp. 869-896

Abstract

The forces of the market and systems competition bring about economic and social convergence in Europe, and there is no need for social policies at the EU level. Social harmonization would distort migration flows and slow down the speed of economic convergence. National welfare states will be threatened by the free migration of people in Europe. The race to the bottom is a serious risk. However, to contain this risk, neither harmonization of welfare payments nor constraints on migration are needed. The adoption of the principle of selectively delayed integration is a better alternative.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Common Market Studies
• Faculties: Economics > Chairs > Chair for Public Economics; Economics
• Subjects: 300 Social sciences > 300 Social sciences, sociology and anthropology; 300 Social sciences > 330 Economics
• JEL Classification: I38, J61, O52
• Language: English