Liberal reforms are no threat to social Europe

Author argues that market liberalisation measure in Europe do not necessarily lead to increased social inequality. He concludes: 'The belief that the economic and social dimensions of the Lisbon agenda are incompatible is as wrong-headed as it is widespread. The tie that binds them is education. A well-designed education system is one of the most important public goods that the modern state can provide. It has an economic pay-off, because the relationship between a country's wealth and its human capital is well established. But it is also good social policy, because a high-quality education system is the best way to reduce inequality'.