The name is absent

Flexibility and security: an asymmetrical relationship?

4. The EU flexicurity agenda: in search
of the appropriate policy mix that
balances flexibility and security

4.1. The key components of the EU flexicurity strategy

The European Commission, following a lengthy process of consultation and study, has estab-

lished in 2007 the key components and the main guiding principles of the flexicurity strategy. 15 It
outlines the following 4 key policy components:

a) flexible and variable contractual arrangements from the perspective o f both employers and
employees, “insiders” and “outsiders”;

b) comprehensive lifelong learning strategies, to ensure the continuous adaptability and employ-
ability of workers, especially of the most vulnerable ones;

c) effective labour market policies, that help people cope with rapid change, reduce unemploy-
ment spells and ease transitions to new jobs; and

d) modern social security systems, that provide adequate income support, encourage employ-
ment and facilitate labour market mobility, as well as work.

The above components must be mutually supportive so as to produce the optimum result. And
they must be guided by a set of common principles that will act as reference points for the member-
states:

1) to pursue comprehensive labour market policies that promote flexible and reliable contractual
arrangements, effective active labour market measures and modern social security systems;

2) to strike a balance between rights and responsibilities for all social actors involved: employers,
workers, job-seekers and public authorities;

3) to accept that there is not one single policy strategy towards flexicurity: each country should
adapt it to its particular circumstances and institutions;

15 European Commission, 2007b

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