welfare state | The European Conservative

Social Welfare in Europe: Stingy or Generous?

Sven R. Larson August 15, 2025

As some countries ramp up social benefits to strengthen emerging welfare states, others are scaling back in a bid to rein in systems that have grown beyond what their tax bases can sustain.

Two-thirds of Syrians Choose To Stay in Germany Despite Local Opposition

Zolta Győri August 8, 2025

While thousands returned after the fall of the Assad regime, many more Syrians are reluctant to give up their government-supported lives.

Uncle sam holding $100-bills in one hand and giving you one with the other

America the Generous

Sven R. Larson July 26, 2025

It may come as a surprise to many Europeans just how benevolent the American welfare state is. It may even surprise many Americans.

Hungarian flag flying higher than the frayed Swedish one

Hungary Beats Sweden: An Economic Comparison

Sven R. Larson July 14, 2025

Sweden, one of Europe’s most entrenched socialist welfare states, is falling behind conservative Hungary in essential economic categories.

NATO’s Make-Believe Spending Goal

Sven R. Larson June 28, 2025

It would be surprising if even half of the European NATO members could expand defense spending as much as the alliance requires.

scale with apple in one basket and a military tank in the other

Welfare or Warfare? The Spanish Agony in Numbers

Sven R. Larson June 26, 2025

Rising defense spending will cause fiscal fights in many NATO countries. In Spain, the tension between social benefits and military outlays is perhaps more pointed than anywhere else.

Defense Funding: Europe Is Wading Into Deep Debt Waters

Sven R. Larson May 25, 2025

To date, there are no credible estimates of the fiscal danger associated with NATO’s planned military expansion. We put numbers on it. Prepare to be shocked.

European Defence Should Not and Need Not Entail Debt or Centralisation

Pieter Cleppe March 28, 2025

There are ample opportunities to find savings in Europe’s bloated welfare states, making it entirely feasible to find the resources to bolster the military.

The Dilemma That Conservatives Ignore

Sven R. Larson December 20, 2024

If conservatives ever wish to be relevant and make any lasting difference in the real world, they need to understand the welfare state.

The Conservative Case Against ‘Work for Welfare’

Sven R. Larson November 28, 2024

Conservatives must stop ceding important policy matters. The growing debate over social benefits is a key opportunity to engage and influence the outcome.

Tag: welfare state

Two-thirds of Syrians Choose To Stay in Germany Despite Local Opposition

America the Generous

Hungary Beats Sweden: An Economic Comparison

NATO’s Make-Believe Spending Goal

Welfare or Warfare? The Spanish Agony in Numbers

Defense Funding: Europe Is Wading Into Deep Debt Waters

European Defence Should Not and Need Not Entail Debt or Centralisation

The Dilemma That Conservatives Ignore

The Conservative Case Against ‘Work for Welfare’

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