From the introduction of the editors:

Although there is no uniform European Social Model (ESM), some normative elements can be identified as essential for most variants. Jörg Huffschmid argues that the present policy regime of the EU, particularly the dominance of competition over social rules, the strong restrictions for macroeconomic policy and the minimalist social policy commitment at EU level are obstacles to the realisation of an ESM based on these elements. Economic policy should therefore restore a political and social governance framework for competition, broaden the macroeconomic perspective and enhance the activity of the EU in the fight against poverty and exclusion. Problems of such reforms relate to the financial resources, the viability in the face of globalisation and the social and political forces for implementation.