The course approaches the welfare states and social model in the EU from the legislation phases with respect to the relevant economic policies under Europe's democratic background and also introduces the concepts about European Identity. There are needs for the reform in the social policies regarding its sustainability while the EU is facing globalization and other social and economic problems.

1. Understanding the role of the Social Dimension of the EU in three Dimensions: a. Normative in the history of EU and the Lisbon Treaty, b. Instutionally regarding the policy making competences in the Social Dimension, c. Empirically: achievments in Social Policy and their Root causes. 2. Understanding and critical assessment of the contradictions between the Social aspirations of the EU its achievements and their contribution to the present multidimensional Crisis of the EU. 3. Discussion of Realistic Future scenarios of the EU as a Social Union.