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Observatoire Social Européen (OSE) Centre for research and information on the social implications of European integration
- Address :
- Rue Paul-Emile Janson, 13
- 1050 Brussels
-
European Union
- Contact person :
- Bart Vanhercke / David Natali
- Phone: +32 2 5371971
- Fax: +32 2 5392808
- Email:vanhercke@ose.be
- Website:http://www.ose.be/
Short description
The OSE was founded in 1984 by Belgian and Italian trade unions to foster a better understanding - and hence a greater mastery - of the social implications of the building of Europe. The Observatoire was devised as a forum for dialogue and exchanges of views. It is extremely outward-looking and aspires to act as an interface between public authorities, the academic world, the trade union movement and social groups. It expresses critical views on European integration while duly respecting academic research criteria, for which reason a scientific advisory board was formed in 1999. The Observatoire's main purpose is to monitor developments in Community policies, particularly their social impact, analysing policy initiatives and the strategies of the players involved. To this end, it monitors European events carefully and endeavours to interpret the emerging challenges and major trends. Besides its research activities, OSE provides training and diffuses knowledge through its trade union links, mass media, website etc. The OSE has gradually become a reference point and a repository for information for trade union organisations, NGOs, researchers and policy-makers, but also for civil servants, journalists and students wanting to obtain specific, critical information about European integration.
The OSE brings together researchers educated in different university disciplines (political science, social science, economics, public and international affairs, law, journalism, etc.). This multi-disciplinary approach is central to better unravelling the complex problems posed by the European venture. It helps to take into account the complexity of the European reality and its social dimension.
Areas of expertise and competencies
European integration and its repercussions in the social sphere, in the broader sense of the term, form the common denominator of the research and analysis that OSE undertakes. This work focuses on topical events in Europe and aims to identify emerging issues. Thus, having devoted particular attention over the past ten years to the social consequences of the monetary union, the Observatoire is now focusing more closely on the social challenges for social security and employment and the impact and monitoring (indicators) of new forms of governance such as the OMCs and their practical effects as such and on the European process in different spheres (employment, restructuring, pensions, social exclusion and health). The cross-industry and sectoral social dialogue is another important field of research. Other current research areas: political integration, institutional aspects, citizenship, impact of EU integration on the healthcare systems of EU member states, patient mobility etc. Sustainable development and the impact of European policies on climate change on social issues will be a focus in the coming years, as well as social dialogue in companies, especially linked with corporate social responsibility (CSR) and public policies on CSR.
Work programme, strategic plan, projects
For the current involvements of OSE in different projects and networks, please, consult the website.
Publications, language, newsletter
Through its involvement in social debate, the Observatoire has developed an array of information tools, some geared to the general public and others more specialised:
The bulletin Notabene was founded at the same time as the Obseravtoire itself. This bulletin is OSE's principal vehicle of information, offering a critical and analytical overview of major developments in Europe. in addition, it regularly explores a topical theme or publishes thematic dossiers. Enhanced by input from outside contributors, Notabene summarises all major social policy decisions as well as reviewing important books and documents published on European subjects.
The website http://www.ose.be/en/publications.htm makes most of the publications of OSE available free of charge in English and French. In addition, the website covers topical matters, providing detailed information for a wide readership. It also publishes a specific newsletter in several languages (English, French, Italian) on the future of Europe (http://www.ciginfo.net/demain/en/default.htm ).
The OSE is currently rethinking the formula of its newsletters and will be coming with a new project in the forthcoming months.
The OSE team has also been doing the Digest on European social policy for the Journal of European Social Policy since 1993.
The OSE engages in producing and editing books. From 2001, the Observatoire social is publishing for the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI), the yearly “Social Developments in the European Union”. It also collaborates with the publisher Peter Lang. through the serie Work & Society, dedicated to the analysis the development of employment and social policies, as well as the strategies of the different social actors, both at national and European levels. It puts forward a multi-disciplinary approach - political, sociological, economic, legal and historical - in a bid for dialogue and complementarity. http://www.ose.be/en/travsoc.htm
Other publications in different languages are to be found on http://www.ose.be/en/publications.htm
The dossiers written by members of the staff or outside researchers explore certain themes in more detail. Among the topics most recently covered are globalisation, social security, pensions etc. A joint series with the ETUI is devoted to Working Papers in English.
The OSE maintains also a documentary centre on European social issues. Access to this service is available on request.
Other networks the institute is participating in
2006-2009
Integrated Project - FP6-Citizens-3
“Integrated and united - A quest for a citizenship in an “ever closer Europe”
Acronym: INTUNE
Coordinated by the University of Sienna
2006-2009
Sixth Framework Programme – Priority Citizens 2004-2-1.1
Reconciling work and welfare in Europe
Acronym: RECWOWE
Coordinated by University of Nantes
2007-2009
Sixth Framework Programme – Priority 7 – Citizens and governance in a knowledge –based society
Resources, rights and capabilities in search of social foundations for Europe
Acronym: CAPRIGHT
Coordinated by IDHE Cachan
(Formerly EUROCAP from 2003 to 2005)