The European Union in the era of globalisation : competitive challenges, structural unemployment, and policy responses

Competitive pressures for EU industries have mounted because the international division of labour through trade has been complemented by corporate globalisation strategies. The EU is shown to' have dealt with this challenge less successfully than the other two members of the Triad. So far, it has been largely ignored that globalisation implies a closer integration of international labour markets, and hence an increased supply of low-skilled labour. The effectiveness of traditional means to protect low-skilled workers being seriously eroded, alternative policy options are discussed to restore competitiveness and reduce unemployment.