The Open Method of Coordination – Something New, Something Old or Something Borrowed

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to outline the main characteristics of the Open Method of Coordination as a model of governance in the EU. The substantive and principal components of the OMK which distinguish it from the other procedures for development of European policies are examined as well as the additional elements that build on the benchmarking used in the business sector and partly in the public sector. Formula for assessing the added value of the OMC is proposed which is not on the basis on the compulsory convergence and harmonization but on the mutual learning and the provision of agreements. To a large extent the analysis is focused on the OMC in employment - the first and most developed procedure for coordination.