Covert action? Education, social policy and law in the European Union

Murphy, M. (2003) Covert action? Education, social policy and law in the European Union. Journal of Education Policy, 18(5), pp. 551-562. (doi: 10.1080/0268093032000124893)

Abstract

Education in Europe has been one more aspect of social policy, traditionally held to exist within the sovereignty of member states, which has been encroached upon by supranational institutions. This paper explores the legitimacy of the partial control over education matters that has been gained by the European Union since the 1970s, examining in particular the role of the European Court of Justice and also the European Commission, in reshaping and altering definitions of legal competence in the fields of education and training. Special emphasis is placed on the method by which an original competence in training has been reconstituted to incorporate some aspects of education policy. Implications for democratic legitimacy and accountability at the European level are discussed.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Murphy, Dr Mark
• Authors: Murphy, M.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Educational Leadership & Policy
• Journal Name: Journal of Education Policy
• ISSN: 0268-0939
• Published Online: 03 June 2010