Europe urged to shift from welfare to warfare for survival
Europe should reduce spending on the welfare state to defend itself effectively, claims the "Financial Times." The British newspaper highlights the issues of aging populations, the need for reform, and increased militarisation.
A commentator for the British newspaper Financial Times argued that Europe must transform its model from a "welfare state" to a "war state."
According to the commentator, the continent must cut social expenditures to defend itself effectively.
The "Financial Times" emphasises that the modern welfare state in Europe arose from specific historical circumstances that no longer exist. In the past, American contributions to NATO allowed European governments to spend more on social programmes. Furthermore, the absence of economic competition from China and India and a younger population favoured such a model.
Aging populations, the need for reform, and closer ties to the USA
Demographics are changing for the worse. In the 1960s, only 13% of Britons were over 65; today, that figure is approximately 20%. Similar changes are occurring in Germany and France. Spending on pensions and healthcare is increasing, placing a burden on the working population.
"Either way, the welfare state as we have known it must retreat somewhat," evaluates "Financial Times." The author of the commentary suggests that the current political situation, including changes in US policies, might necessitate difficult but necessary reforms. The goal of these actions is Europe's survival in a changing world.
The Financial Times notes that a more militarised Europe could resemble the USA, ironically 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 emphasises. Such a change could be ironic but is essential in the face of current challenges.
