Basic income and social policy in Europe: what could shape a social-democratic proposal

While most European countries have forms of minimum income protection, a basic income, intended as […]

Policy Brief

23/02/2016

While most European countries have forms of minimum income protection, a basic income, intended as a universal, unconditional and non-withdrawable intervention for all citizens, has been considered for many years a very ambitious (if not unrealistic) policy proposal. The empirical applications of the basic income are rare: at the moment we can find one real-work application of a semi-basic income in Alaska. However, a useful discussion on basic income needs to understand this instrument as a development, rather than in opposition, to the current forms of social protection. Current minimum income protection systems are generally means-tested and aim to offer a last resort protection from the risks of the labour markets; as such, their success is highly linked to labour market performances. The idea of the basic income, on the other side, poses the possibility of having an unconditional form of support. 

Read the Policy Brief

Find all related publications
Publications
15/03/2023

A five-point agenda for how development cooperation can support EU’s strategic autonomy

European Strategic Autonomy series - Economy & Trade
13/03/2023

EU fiscal rules: Time for a reboot

The EU fiscal rules are one of, if not the most discussed aspects of EU […]
08/03/2023

Abortion in the European Union

Actors, issues and discourse
08/03/2023

The European Care Strategy

A chance to ensure inclusive care for all?
Find all related news
News
13/03/2023

Digital programme: Algorithms at the workplace

FEPS, together with Nordic partners, launched a Digital Program on algorithmic management and workers' rights
20/02/2023

When will European women start earning the same as men?

Spoiler alert: that day hasn’t arrived yet
20/02/2023

Let’s end involuntary unemployment!

European survey on the perception of unemployment and publicly funded jobs
07/02/2023

New study on how and why social issues have increased in prominence during the EP negotiations

Progress towards inclusive economic transition but need for further improvements in terminology and framing of vulnerable groups
Find all related in the media
In the media

Irak – 20 év után

by Mérce 20/03/2023
'Iraq - after 20 years' Mérce (HU) article by FEPS Secretary General, László Andor.

Wie der Ukraine-Krieg die europäische Politik verändert

by Vorwärts 24/02/2023
'How the war in Ukraine changed European politics' Vorwärts article written by László Andor, FEPS Secretary General and Uwe Optenhoegel, FEPS Vice-President

En Europe, le marché unique fête ses 30 ans, entre satisfaction et désillusion

by Le Monde 01/02/2023
'In Europe, the single market celebrates its 30th anniversary, between satisfaction and disillusionment' Le Monde article with an intervention by László Andor, FEPS Secretary General

Zapatero dice que tuvo peores manifestaciones en contra y ganó las elecciones

by El diario 30/01/2023
'Zapatero declares he had worse demonstrations against him and still won the election' Público article on Zapatero's intervention during FEPS event 'Right-wing extremism and our progressive duty to fight it'