The European Socio-economic Model. Differences to the USA and Changes Over Time

In this paper we discuss variations of the European Socio-economic Model between European countries, its changes over time and the differences from the corresponding US model. The performances of several European countries over the past 15 years, as well as the reforms which have taken place, allow us to delineate elements of a "Reformed European Model", which on the one hand upholds the most important characteristics of the European Society, but on the other hand can still be competitive in the globalised economy.