Policy making in the European Union: Is there a social democratic space? (original) (raw)

This paper explores the challenges and opportunities faced by social democracy in the context of European integration since the mid-1980s. It argues that while integration has generally favored market forces and eroded national sovereignty, it still offers a potential space for social democratic strategies at both the national and European levels. The findings suggest that social democratic parties must navigate a complex landscape where preserving their political goals involves reconstituting agency within the European Union and considering strategies like a 'two-speed Europe' for future action.