Springer YSEC Yearbook of Socio-Economic Constitutions 2024: What are Socio-Economic Constitutions?

The fifth volume of the Yearbook of Socio-Economic Constitutions (YSEC Yearbook) offers an in-depth exploration of socio-economic constitutionalism, a field gaining rapidly in importance as global economies shift. Established equilibria between economic freedoms and socio-political interests are under pressure. This volume addresses contemporary issues, illustrating the balances between constitutional principles, economic goals, and socio-political values. Bridging theory and practice, it begins with foundational theories, advances through national applications, and concludes with global challenges. At its core is the socio-economic constitution, with authors examining how different jurisdictions interpret and apply this concept. The initial chapters lay a theoretical foundation. The volume then explores national approaches (Belgium, France, Germany, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland and also the EU), showcasing how countries adapt socio-economic constitutional principles to their historical, cultural, and legal contexts. The volume explores then the interplay of different constitutional interests at EU and international level, e.g., the EU’s balancing act between sustainability and consumer welfare when it comes to competition law or foreign investment screening at the intersection of economic security and national sovereignty. By moving from theory to national models and global issues, this YSEC volume offers a comprehensive contemporary view of socio-economic constitutionalism. It illustrates how constitutions are evolving to address today’s challenges, blending economic, social, and environmental concerns within a constitutional framework. This work is essential for readers seeking to understand how socio-economic constitutional principles can bridge theory and practice in today’s world.