Can We Afford Solidarity? Socio-economic Rights Under EU Law and Their Relationship with the Internal Market Rationale Through an Economic Lens

Socio-economic rights have always held a controversial position in EU law. They are often seen as ‘costly’, dependent on the economic performance of Member States, and as a mere corrective measure to potential harmful effects of the internal market. However, looking at these rights through an economic lens reveals that their protection does not necessarily conflict with the internal market rationale. Encompassing both labour rights and social security rights, socio-economic rights both depend on and influence the economic performance of the EU and its Member States. This article thus argues that they should not be perceived as mere tolerable brakes or obstacles to the EU economy, but rather as integral components of it.