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Based on the findings of a large-scale, comparative research project, this volume systematically assesses the institutional design and national influence of the Open Method of Coordination in Social Inclusion and Social Protection (pensions and health/long-term care), at the European Union level and in ten EU Member States.

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1. Institutional Design and National Influence of EU Social Policy Coordination: Advancing a Contradictory Debate 2. Tracing the Social OMC from its Origins To Europe 2020 3. Is the Social OMC Fit for Purpose? Adequacy and Institutional Design, 2006-2010 4. An OMC for all Policies: is Belgium (still) the Best Pupil in the Class? 5. The Social OMC in France: the Realm of the Happy Few? 6. The Social OMC in Germany: Slow but Steady? 7. The Social OMC in Denmark: European Ideas Meet Domestic Politics 8. The Social OMC in the UK: Beyond Cheap Talk? 9. The Social OMCs at Work: Identifying and Explaining Variations in National Use and Influence

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Vicki Donlevy, Policy and Research Division of Ecorys, UK Caroline de la Porte, University of Southern Denmark Helene Schönheinz, University of Salzburg, Austria Bart Vanhercke, European Social Observatory, Belgium

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