welfare state | The European Conservative

France Is Drifting Into a Greek-Style Crisis

Sven R. Larson September 10, 2025

Like a rudderless ship, France is sailing straight for the same cliffs that broke the Greek economy 15 years ago. Will President Macron meet his Waterloo in the hallowed hallways of the IMF?

Romania’s Economic Fork in the Road

Sven R. Larson September 4, 2025

Facing a major budget gap, Bucharest must choose: fix the deficit or launch a broader economic rescue. So far, Prime Minister Bolojan has shown little leadership to do either.

Slovakia Is Next on the Fiscal Cutting Board

Sven R. Larson September 2, 2025

Slovakia faces the same budget dilemma as Germany. Whether Prime Minister Fico will match Chancellor Merz’s bold move to announce an end to the welfare state remains to be seen.

Germany’s Welfare Model Has Reached the End of the Road

Sven R. Larson August 26, 2025

Chancellor Merz has conceded that Germany can no longer sustain its expansive welfare state—a fiscal surrender to economic reality that other nations may soon be forced to replicate.

Merz: Germany’s Welfare State No Longer Financially Viable

Zoltán Kottász August 25, 2025

The chancellor navigates a delicate path between coalition demands and AfD voter appeal.

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.

Tag: welfare state

France Is Drifting Into a Greek-Style Crisis

Romania’s Economic Fork in the Road

Slovakia Is Next on the Fiscal Cutting Board

Germany’s Welfare Model Has Reached the End of the Road

Merz: Germany’s Welfare State No Longer Financially Viable

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

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