Report on attitudes towards adequacy and sustainability of social protection systems in the EU: out now!

Social protection systems across the EU have undergone many reforms over the past few decades and are currently facing significant fiscal, social and political pressure. As a result, the future adequacy and sustainability of the European welfare state is an increasing concern in Member States, and there is an ongoing debate at EU level.

This study – prepared by Applica, Tarki, Femke Roosma (Tilburg University) and Bart Meuleman (Kresko Research) – collects and reports policy-relevant evidence on the attitude of the citizens of the European Union towards social protection, with the intention of identifying the type of social contract that people favour.

The report provides an overview of the factors that influence the demand for social protection and solidarity, and explores the potential support for further EU-wide solidarity and protection.

The research builds on a thorough literature review, on a uniquely comprehensive collection of relevant European datasets and on systematic, theory-driven analysis of the available surveys.