From introduction: "The work whose introduction we are about to start is to offer a general view of the current situation of the Welfare States in the countries of the European Union, outlining the characteristics of the so-called European Social Model. The enlargement of the European Union up to 27 countries has marked a historical milestone which has significantly changed the processes of convergence between Member States, originally expressed as a goal with no deadline. Its economics aspects were later specified in the Treaty of Maastricht, which leaded to the Economic and Monetary Union and the origin of the Euro as single currency. Nothing similar has happened at the social field. Social policy is a key on the real configuration of the Welfare States and is still a competence of the Member States. Its approach should be found through the coordination of the different national policies."(...)