Taxes, social security, contributions and redistribution welfare state and public finances
Discussion and Working Paper // 2025The welfare state remains a cornerstone of the European Union’s (EU) commitment to social equi-
ty, economic stability, and public well-being. However, mounting financial pressures and emerging
global megatrends—globalisation, climate change, demographic shifts, and digitalisation—have
revealed vulnerabilities in existing welfare systems. Addressing these challenges requires inno-
vative and sustainable reforms that align welfare systems with the EU’s broader socio-economic
goals.
Arnemann, Laura, Tim Kalmey genannt Beckmann, Ramón Peña-Casas, Sebastian Rausch, Holger Stichnoth and Laurène Thil (2025), Taxes, social security, contributions and redistribution welfare state and public finances, WeLaR Policy Brief.