European policies for inclusive growth - 26/09/2016

Despite the return to economic growth, not all segments of society enjoy the same opportunities. In most countries, social mobility is weak. Moreover, children growing up in disadvantaged families tend to underperform when compared to their richer classmates. This educational underachievement leads to low employability. People with low educational levels also tend to have worse health conditions and shorter life expectancy.

As well as undermining personal well-being and social cohesion, economic growth coupled with increased inequality could also be unsustainable. Inequality and poverty may also boost anti-establishment sentiment and support protest votes in elections and referendum.


This half-day workshop, coincided with the launch of a new Bruegel report on these issues. The following questions were addressed during the workshop:

Why is inclusive growth important?
How different are the EU’s social problems from social problems in other parts of the world?
What is the role of globalisation and technological change in labour market and social developments?
Are large European welfare states organised efficiently to support social goals?
And does the EU framework for inclusive growth provide useful guidance for social policies?

To find out more, visit http://bruegel.org/events/inclusive-g....