Abstract
The chapter reflects the history of the social dimension in the European Union generally, and in the former countries of the communist bloc that joined the Union in the last decade in particular. It ponders upon the relevance of the term European Social Model which is frequently used in political discourse, and assesses existing proposals on strengthening the social dimension of European integration as a condition of maintaining its political legitimacy and, in turn, as a condition of keeping it in motion.
The unifying Europe will remain in the realm of dreams without direct involvement of the EU in enhancing social conditions of all Europeans. The remains of its political legitimacy will evaporate.
Thus, a new social contract should be concluded between the European Union, national political representations and the people of Europe.