In this EuSocialCit online seminar, we discuss and bring together two topical policy issues. On the one hand, the pandemic has revived the debate about the welfare state, and the need for social investment in preparing citizens to face changes and shocks. What is needed to make them happen? On the other hand, a large political debate has been launched around the reform of the EU fiscal framework and its fiscal rules. How the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) should be reformed to be relevant in the post-pandemic era? With both questions in mind, we ask whether social investment should enjoy a special treatment under the EU fiscal rules. If yes, why and what would be the purpose? How should it be designed? Is a “social” golden rule a sensible option?
EuSocialCit project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 822778.