Exploring the constitutional possibilities for a European social model : some common constitutional traditions between liberalism and social intervention

Abstract

The European Social Model (ESM) is a rather vague concept, generally used for defining a certain combination between social concerns and the need for economic improvement and efficiency. This vagueness implies a weak conceptualisation, which influences perceptions about the current socio-economic juncture and the European integration. This article is aimed to identify specific contents for the conceptualisation of the European model, which are found in a number of common principles or values contained in the European constitutions. It is also aimed to explore the dynamic between the liberal and social protection elements that constitute a common starting point for a comparative assessment. A process of convergence of constitutional principles is found, based on the constitutional migration of certain concepts at different historical moments. The induction of common categories from these concepts allows for the consideration of potential European common denominators, such as the duality between the free market and its limitations related to social concerns.