Fundamental Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Europe
Matti Mikkola(Author)
Edward Elgar Publishing
Will be published approx. on 18. June 2026
Book
Hardback
558 pages
978-1-0353-6854-9 (ISBN)
Description
This book clearly sets out the fundamental economic, social and cultural (ESC) rights that protect European citizens in education, employment and daily life. Matti Mikkola traces the evolution of these rights from their origins in the liberal state to their prominence within the welfare state. With extensive reference to the case law of the ECtHR and the CJEU, and the conclusions and decisions of the European Committee of Social Rights, the book examines the challenges ESC rights face as governments increasingly prioritise investments in production and export industries amidst heightened global competition. It also serves as a guide for those seeking to defend their rights before European judicial bodies.
Key Features:
Advocates for the protection of fundamental rights concerning life, human dignity and equal opportunities
Analyses rights related to education, working conditions, labour market relations and social protection
Includes extensive reference to case law and to the decisions of the various monitoring bodies
Explores the dynamic nature of ESC rights from contextual, conceptual and practical perspectives
Evaluates the treaties, decisions and argumentation of key judicial bodies of the Council of Europe and the CJEU
Fundamental Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Europe is an essential resource for judges of the ECtHR, CJEU and national highest courts. It is also highly relevant to legal advisors in ministries of foreign, labour and social affairs, international and national institutes and social partners and experts of the NGOs.
Key Features:
Advocates for the protection of fundamental rights concerning life, human dignity and equal opportunities
Analyses rights related to education, working conditions, labour market relations and social protection
Includes extensive reference to case law and to the decisions of the various monitoring bodies
Explores the dynamic nature of ESC rights from contextual, conceptual and practical perspectives
Evaluates the treaties, decisions and argumentation of key judicial bodies of the Council of Europe and the CJEU
Fundamental Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Europe is an essential resource for judges of the ECtHR, CJEU and national highest courts. It is also highly relevant to legal advisors in ministries of foreign, labour and social affairs, international and national institutes and social partners and experts of the NGOs.
Reviews / Votes
'This book explores the dynamics at play in Europe's evolving social model. The welfare state as we have known it is adapting to new realities such as artificial intelligence, intense economic competition and an uncertain future for work. Professor Mikkola expertly excavates the law and policy with respect to economic, social and cultural rights and so lays the basis for a revival of the European social model to face the realities of the 21st century. His deep experience and insights should interest all who see the success of our economic model as intertwined with the future of our social model.' -- Gerard Quinn, Former UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 'Professor Mikkola's book is a tour de force of Europe's social rights architecture and not least an inspired re-appraisal of the European Social Charter, the Council of Europe's flagship social rights treaty. The author's deep commitment to social justice and his vast experience with the Charter's monitoring procedures radiate from every page.' -- Henrik Kristensen, Executive Secretary to the European Committee of Social Rights, Council of Europe, France 'Mikkola's new book is a rich, rigorous and much longed-for up-to date account of the complex legal frameworks of fundamental economic, social and cultural rights in Europe. It provides in-depth, informative, and practical legal analysis and has the potential to become an indispensable source of knowledge in the field.' -- Sara Stendahl, Gothenburg University, Sweden 'The book analyses the fundamental statutory provisions and their interpretation by human rights' courts - predominantly the ones established in Europe. The reader gets a clear, comprehensive and profound overview of the human rights' basis of labour and social law in Europe.' -- Eberhard Eichenhofer, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, GermanyMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 244 mm
Width: 169 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0353-6854-9 (9781035368549)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Matti Mikkola, Professor of Labour Law (emer.), Faculty of Law, University of Helsinki, Finland
Content
Contents
1 General features
2 Education and employment
3 Conditions of employment
4 Collective labour relations
5 Thematic social rights
6 Rights of vulnerable people
7 Access to justice
1 General features
2 Education and employment
3 Conditions of employment
4 Collective labour relations
5 Thematic social rights
6 Rights of vulnerable people
7 Access to justice