In Paris presenting a paper on Nordic style social investments over the life course and discussing education, skill formation, growth and social protection with representatives from the OECD and the European Commission as well as with colleagues from Sci Po and other French universities. The two-day event is hosted by Sci Po and organised by them and a series of think tanks and French ministerial agencies. A few blocks away, German Chancellor Merkel and French Prime Minister Hollande simultaneously launched a new initiative to boost growth. And in Brussels the European Commission gave a handful of European countries more time to reduce excessive deficits. Is this a sign? Are austerity policies giving way for new social and growth oriented policies? Are social investments and youth measures entering center stage in defining Social Europe of tomorrow?
Jon Kvist 