ADVANCING EUROPEANIZATION THROUGH DIGITAL AGENDA: EFFECTS ON THE SOCIAL POLICY OF EU
Ionela Maria CIOLAN
National University of Political and Administrative Studies, Bucharest
Tel: 004-0318.08.97, E-mail: ciolan.ionela@gmail.com
Abstract
In this paper, I will propose an analysis of the Digital Agenda (DAE) and determine if its successful implementation will foster the Europeanization process and create favourable conditions for the development of a European wide social welfare that can have lasting effects on the current EU social policy (European Social Policy).
To reach a conclusion on this subject, firstly the Digital Agenda and the impact of ITC have been highlighted, underlining the importance of the internet in delivering added value, boosting economic growth and cost saving measures.
Secondly, the European Social Policy is brought under scrutiny: its origins, history and relation with the national welfare state, the continuing conflict between the Europeanization process and the re-nationalization of the actual European social policy.
The third part of the article presents some of the digital instruments developed trough DAE and their implications on improving the Europeans social benefits. As a main idea, this research was conducted with the purpose of highlighting the importance of achieving the Europe 2020 strategy’s targets for the future of EU and how this agenda will turn the union into a competitive, smart, innovative and economically sustainable global actor.
Keywords: Digital Agenda of Europe, internet, social policy, europeanization, social inclusion, economic growth