This collection addresses the potential of the European Social Charter to promote and safeguard social rights in Europe. Drawing on the expertise of the ETUI Transnational Trade Union Rights expert network from across Europe, it provides a comprehensive commentary on these fundamental rights. Taking a two part approach, it offers an in-depth legal analysis of the European Social Charter as a new social constitution for Europe, investigating first the potential of the general legal frame in which the Charter is embedded. In the second phase a series of social rights which are related to the employment relation are examined in particular in light of the jurisprudence of the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR), to demonstrate the crucial but difficult role of the Charter's supervisory bodies to secure the respect and promotion of social rights and national level, bearing in mind the reciprocal influence of other international social rights instruments. This examination is timely, given the pressure exerted on those rights during the recent period of economic crisis. Furthermore, in the light of the predominantly economic vision of Europe, such analysis is crucial. The collection is aimed at stimulating academic scrutiny and raising awareness amongst practitioners and trade unions about this important and equally necessary anchor of the social dimension of Europe in legal and political practice.

This authoritative Commentary drafted by scholars of the Academic Network on the European Social Charter and Social Rights (ANESC) is aimed both at researchers studying socio-economic rights in Europe, and at legal practitioners; civil society organisations, trade unions and ministerial staff engaging with the procedures of the European Committee of Social Rights. The text is compiled by a large body of expert contributors, working together with an Editorial Board, under the supervision of a Scientific Committee, which reviews the quality of each chapter. The Scientific Committee is composed of the most respected experts on the European Social Charter and Social Rights in Europe. The Commentary will offer approx. 106 Chapters, organized in 8 Volumes, some of which are focused on the substantive state obligations and the jurisprudence of the European Committee of Social Rights, others on the procedures that state representatives, international bodies and applicants must follow to engage with the system of the European Social Charter. Volume 1 deals with Cross-Cutting Themes and is edited by Stefano Angeleri and Carole Nivard.

The 50th anniversary of the European Social Charter presents the opportunity for a comprehensive and informative review of one of the Council of Europe's fundamental treaties. What are its origins ? Which states does it cover ? What are its strengths ? What are the new challenges that the Charter needs to address ? This dynamic and accessible publication allows the reader to find out more about an instrument that is of vital importance for the protection of human rights in Europe and elsewhere.