In: Economics
What are some of the biggest issues faced by Western Europe's Welfare States, and why have they been able to endure?
The central role of the welfare state in Europe is to provide social benefits like pensions,healthcare and housing, lending support to the poor, regulating labor market and trying to give a fair deal to the labourers.All European citizens contribute to the welfare state at some point in their lives.Welfare states which were formed 50 years ago , should restructure at present to meet the challenges of the present times. The issues that welfare states face at present are large societal transformations due to ageing population,effects of climate change,and issues related to closer global integration.Adaptation to new social risks arising from the changing European economies, especially in work and employment is another issue.Welfare states will have to use the resources most efficiently and utilise efficiently the technological advancement.However efforts to reform welfare state involves many dilemmas in decision making but it is certain that they will be able to endure the challenges .Sustainable growth will be promoted in Europe and it will be a competitive asset through properly designed welfare states in future.