Can Europe Afford Its Welfare State?

AI Summary

Europe’s aging population is increasing pressure on pensions, health care and public finances, challenging the long-term funding of its postwar welfare state. The debate over competing spending priorities—including defense, infrastructure and education—is becoming a source of political and social tension.

Europe’s postwar welfare state was built for a younger, growing population. Today, aging communities are putting pensions, health care and public finances under mounting strain. As governments try to fund defense, infrastructure and education at the same time, the fight over who pays is spilling into politics and the streets. (Source: Bloomberg)