Download This PaperSocial Union, Convergence and Migration
45 Pages Posted: 21 Jun 2003
Date Written: June 2003
Abstract
The forces of the market and systems competition bring about economic and social convergence in Europe. There is no need for social policies at the EU level. Social harmonisation 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 harmonisation of welfare payments nor constraints on migration are needed. The adoption of the principle of selectively delayed integration is the better alternative.
JEL Classification: I38, J61, O52
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Hans-Werner Sinn (Contact Author)
CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute) ( email )
Poschinger Str. 5
Munich, DE-81679
Germany
+49 89 9224 1276 (Phone)
+49 89 9224 1409 (Fax)
HOME PAGE: http://www.cesifo.de
CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute for Economic Research)
Poschinger Str. 5
Munich, DE-81679
Germany
HOME PAGE: http://www.CESifo.de
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