Europe urged to cut welfare for stronger defense strategy
Europe should reduce spending on the welfare state to effectively defend itself, claims the "Financial Times." The British newspaper highlights aging populations, the need for reforms, and increased militarization as key concerns.
Europe is now confronting the necessity to shift its model from a "welfare state" to a "war state," a perspective presented by a commentator for the "Financial Times."
According to the commentator, the continent must cut social expenditures to defend itself effectively.
The "Financial Times" emphasizes that Europe's modern welfare state resulted from specific historical circumstances that no longer exist. In the past, American contributions to NATO allowed European governments to allocate more funding to social programs. Additionally, the lack of economic competition from China and India, along with a younger population, supported this model.
Aging societies, the need for reforms, and closer ties to the USA
Currently, however, demographic trends are worsening. In the 1960s, only 13% of Britons were over 65; today, that figure has risen to one-fifth. Similar demographic shifts are occurring in Germany and France. Spending on pensions and healthcare is increasing, placing a heavier burden on the working population.
"Either way, the welfare state as we have known it must retreat somewhat," assesses the "Financial Times." The commentary suggests that the current political climate, including changes in US policies, might necessitate difficult but essential reforms. These reforms aim to ensure Europe's survival in an evolving global landscape.
The "Financial Times" points out that a more militarized Europe could resemble the USA, paradoxically bringing the two continents closer together. "Europe and America could end up looking much more like each other than they ever did as two blocks of a cohesive "west", the newspaper emphasizes. While this change could be ironic, it is crucial given the current challenges.
