OMC is a tool of intergovernmental governance used by the EU for certain policy areas which remain in the realm of national governments. It allows governments to voluntarily implement particular objectives, but relies on peer pressure from other Member States and sometimes, depending on the policy area, “soft law” measures to see them through. The “soft law” measures are binding for Member States but never take the form of directives, regulations or decisions.

OMC is used in areas such as employment, social protection, social inclusion, education, youth and training.