The specific pragmatics of the economy and social policy of the Lula government, early from its start, has reached significant results in easing social inequalities, and diversifying commercial relations – while maintaining high growth. Nevertheless, the present decrease in growth outlook, completed with the growing debt of domestic economic actors, warns that the fundamental problem, namely the dependence on the innovation cycles of centre countries, has not been solved. Breaking out from the peripheral development path still is a task.

The institutional system, legislation and subsidy system of the EU serve first of all the purpose of maintaining the full power of West-European monopolies, thus also their monopoly profits vs. interests of national states and workers of the centre and periphery in Europe. The crisis of the eurozone has smashed illusions about the EU and the Europe Project is heading to a collapse. The fight against austerity and emptied democracy is deemed to fail, unless national sovereignty is restored over economic and monetary policies. The modern left should replace the Europe Project by a new anti-imperialist and internationalist program.

The author points out the historical roots of the Greek and eurozone crises, highlighting the outcome of the independence of the ECB and the lack of political integration. Instead of austerity measures, he is suggesting a new Marshall Plan aiming the improvement of productivity in order to help the periphery of Europe. Germany should reconsider its readiness for cooperation and Greece declaring bankruptcy.

The study sketches out the great intellectual tradition of labour history writing accompanied with well selected bibliography. He sets the milestones for historians and laymen interested in the topic with a focus beyond Europe. He presents that the old school labour history was basically Europe centred but the new labour history is especially interested in global context and understanding the world outside of Europe.