Former Prime Minister Alfred Sant said that the present challenge facing the EU  is to reform the social model not by weakening its structures but by modernising them so that they can take into account deep social and economic changes. This effort should not be carried out on a top down basis from Brussels, but had better be coordinated from nation to nation, while making sure that all of civil society participates. The EU cannot afford to have its soft power undermined by a widespread perception that its social model has to be dismantled.

Dr. Sant  spoke on the future of Europe's social model when he addressed a packed S&D conference on EUROPE'S SOCIAL MODEL : WHAT FUTURE  at the Montekristo Estates.  Dr Sant said that over the years, the European Union has been able to benefit from a huge soft power. This happened because many many people found the European model -- based on democracy and human rights guaranteed by the rule of law; economic prosperity and extensive social welfare -- extremely attractive. However in recent years the EU has been less successful in responding to the challenges of globalisation. Especially since the 2008 crisis, economic performance has dimmed and Europe's social model is being curtailed.

Dr Mario Vella, who also addressed the conference, spoke on the economic, social and political sustainability of Europe's social model and said that without economic growth Europe's social model cannot be affordable.