Why have some countries have been more successful in welfare state reform than others? Is corporatist concertation experiencing a revival in Europe? Do policy makers in different countries learn from each other and is there a prospect for concertation at the European level? This book examines the experiences of various countries in reforming their welfare states through renegotiations between the state and peak associations of employers and employees. Not too long ago, this corporatist concertation was blamed for bringing about all the ills of the welfare state but since then corporate institutions have learned from their bad performances, modified their structures and style of operation, and assumed responsibility for welfare state reform. Now, consensual bargaining is back on the agenda of both policy makers and of social science twenty-five years after the start of the corporatist debate. This topical volume with its internationally respected panel of contributors will appeal to all those interested in the welfare state and labour relations. It includes chapters focusing on the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland as well as a section looking at the role of corporatist concertation in the European Union.