BETWEEN CONVERGENCE AND DIVERGENCE - POSSIBILITIES FOR A EUROPEAN-COMMUNITY SYSTEM OF LABOR-MARKET REGULATION

The idea of a social dimension to European union has had a troubled ri de. This paper argues that achieving such a goal in a coherent and ful ly-fledged form will be difficult. There are a number of forces workin g in favour of convergence, but they are counterbalanced by forces ten ding towards fragmentation. After outlining the various influences at play the author concludes that a new social dimension to the European Community will not emerge as a comprehensive system of labour market r egulation but will continue in its present fragmented form The social dimension will grow in importance only step by step.