Since 2010, austerity plans are increasing in Europe to deal with the state debt crisis and to reassure the markets. The measures adopted by the various European governments, as well as the recommendations issued by the European bodies, are mainly of three types: reforms of social protection, privatisation, freezing of civil servants’ salaries and reduction of their number. Cuts are foreseen in social spending, structural reforms are imposed: increasing the retirement age, increasing labour market flexibility, reducing unemployment benefits to make work more attractive, mandatory working hours for recipients of assistance, increased competition in health and social services. These policies lead to the destruction of social cohesion in the countries of southern and eastern Europe and further undermine the lack of solidarity between the peoples of Europe. Europe must lead tomorrow’s policies and support countries in their efforts to invest in society.