This research studies the European social model. The author notes that the concept of European model is interpreted differently by scientists from different European countries. For the first time, the concept of the European social model was used by Jacques Delors in the mid 1990s to designate an alternative to the American model of pure capitalism. To highlight the specifics of the European social model, the author conducts a comparative study, characterizing American and Asian models. The author concludes: while the Asian model is focused on development, and the American one on regulation and competition, the European social model promotes the idea of interdependence of economic and social progress, the purpose of which is extended social protection and social conflict resolution through consensus and democratic methods. At the moment, the European Union faces, in terms of social policy, two major challenges: on the one hand, fear that globalization will affect the ability to ensure social security of persons, on the other hand, fear that the very social policy threatens EU's ability to adapt to changes brought about by globalization and international competition. There are a variety of factors putting pressure on the European social model, which carry different meanings. Leaders of European countries want a European social model based on economic performance, a high level of social protection and social dialogue on education. Developing this model and especially practical implementation of policies requires changing the social paradigm. The new paradigm should resize potential economic policy, employment and citizen involvement in community life and social policy. One of the means of ensuring the dynamic stability of the political system or Europeran national political class is collaborating with civil society, marginalized social groups.