GENERAL EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION IN SELECTED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES - A COMMENT

In a recently published article Hardes (University of Trier) examines theoretical and empirical aspects of dismissal protection under Europe an labour law. The theoretical arguments are in his eyes ambiguous; th e empirical data show only minimal effects of recent deregulation poli cies in Europe. In this comment, these results are called into questio n. Hardes' arguments in favour of regulation are not based on carefull y analysed market failure situations and he neglects possible effects on product markets. The deregulation policies in the European Communiy seem too weak to judge their empirical effects.