Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

This paper argues that the European Union’s formulation of a new framework for economic governance represents a hard form of the new constitutionalism intended to lock in neoliberal economic reforms amongst European member states. This new constitutionalism seeks to shield the economic policy-making process from democratic control in order to preserve the neoliberal character of the European Monetary Union (EMU). The struggles around reforms to Greek industrial relations serve as an example of this new constitutionalism. The conditionalities attached to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) bypassed the established mechanisms of policy-making regard Greek industrial relations. This poses a challenge to SYRIZA as it moves forward into a post-MOU future. In particular, it raises questions as to how SYRIZA intends to deliver on its promise to restore the system of collective bargaining in Greece.