Welfare State in Europe

This book analyses the main problems in the functioning of the welfare state and possible actions for its reform. Focusing on the European Union, it looks at the achievements of and challenges to the welfare state as we enter the 21st century.The authors consider the general problem of redistribution and how to make it more efficient, by reducing huge benefits and tax disincentives that individuals encounter in different life periods or life choices. In addition, they analyse issues such as:economic effects of the welfare statemechanisms for improving incentives in the welfare stateimplications of Economic and Monetary Union for the welfare stateoptions in pension fundingimpact of ageing on the pensions systems in the European Union