Public Services Futures: Welfare States in the Digital Age

Welfare states across Europe are under strain. The lack of adequate funding and public direction […]

Book

17/04/2020

Welfare states across Europe are under strain. The lack of adequate funding and public direction have been observed for years, but the resulting lack of coverage, capacity and coordination is becoming painfully apparent during the pandemic. Beyond that, public services will need to face new demands and constraints, linked to ageing populations, rising inequalities, and the need for sustainability.

How can public services rise to the challenge? What should they look like in 10 to 15 years, to provide all European citizens with the care, skills and standards of living they need to thrive, without exceeding our planetary boundaries?

This volume of essays sets out how we might best harness new technologies, innovative thinking and the perspectives of citizens to offer high-quality services for all. The essays look at innovation not only in the narrow technical sense, but especially consider the need for increased democratic accountability, citizen voice and participation. Both are required to transform public services from industrial era institutions into a welfare state that is fit for the digital age. 

Read the book

 

Network
Fabian Society
Related publications
28/02/2023

Progressive pathways to European strategic autonomy 

European Strategic Autonomy series
06/02/2023

Towards a sustainable and resilient future internet 

European Strategic Autonomy series - Digital & Technology
06/07/2022

Europe needs high-tech talent

European Strategic Autonomy series - Digital & Technology
06/07/2022

Countering economic coercion

European Strategic Autonomy series - Economy & Trade
06/07/2022

Leveraging trade policy for the EU’s strategic autonomy

European Strategic Autonomy series - Economy & Trade
04/07/2022

Partnerships and European strategic autonomy

European Strategic Autonomy series - Security & Defense
19/05/2022

European industrial policy

European Strategic Autonomy series - Economy & Trade
16/04/2022

Strategic Autonomy Tech Alliances: Political-industrial collaboration in strategic technologies

European Strategic Autonomy series - Digital & Tech
01/03/2022

Leveraging digital regulation for Strategic Autonomy

European Strategic Autonomy series - Digital & Tech
09/02/2022

Elevating the EU’s added value as a security provider

European Strategic Autonomy series - Security & Defence
13/01/2022

Strategic Autonomy: Not without integration

European Strategic Autonomy series - Security & Defence
25/11/2021

An architecture fit for strategic autonomy

European Strategic Autonomy series - Security & Defence
15/01/2021

Governing online gatekeepers – Taking power seriously

How should the EU respond to the power and control that large online platforms exercise […]
Find all related publications
Publications
28/04/2025

Housing as investment in Greece and Southern Europe

Private profit vs social value
13/02/2025

In search of the progressive paths to rebuild Ukraine

Progressive Ukraine series
13/02/2025

Strengthening Ukraine’s health care for a resilient future

Progressive Ukraine series
13/02/2025

Ukraine’s education policy as a pillar for successful rebuilding

Progressive Ukraine series
Find all related Progressive Post
Progressive Post
14/05/2025

The housing crisis: cities at the frontline

The European Union is at a crossroads. We are living in a crucial moment, with […]
06/05/2025

Summer is coming, and we are still not ready to face it!

While in Game of Thrones the characters feared winter, in real life, we now fear […]
23/10/2024

Europe’s demographic challenge: policies for sustainable generational renewal

European demography is characterised by an ageing population, driven not only by increased longevity but […]
Find all related events
Events
Upcoming
16/05/2025
Expert meeting

Zero deaths at work

Go Beyond Academy 2025
Past
29/04/2025

Housing challenges for youths and seniors

Intergenerational Solidarity Event
29/01/2025
FEPS HQ, Brussels

FEPS New Year Reception & Progressive Yearbook launch

6th edition
Find all related news
News
21/10/2024

Your Future is Social – A Pillar for our Rights 

Video series - Why social rights must top the new EU agenda and how to make it happen
19/04/2024

FEPS welcomes the signing of the La Hulpe Declaration

We welcome the signing of the La Hulpe Declaration, an important commitment to continue implementing the principles […]
05/04/2024

FEPS supports the declaration of Portimão calling for affordable housing in the EU

Affordable housing needs Europe, Europe needs affordable housing
07/03/2024

Call for videos – Your Call to Europe

This call closed on 24/03/2024
Find all related in the media
In the media

The need to strengthen policies for a Social Europe

by Le Club de Mediapart 29/10/2024
Article by Le Club Mediapart about the presentation of FEPS Primer's Greek edition, 'Social Europe: From Vision to Vigour' with László Andor and Björn Hacker in an event coorganised with ETERON in Athens.

Von der Leyen promised an EU commissioner to tackle the housing crisis – what would be their remit?

by Euronews 13/08/2024
Read this Euronews article featuring an interview with David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policy, in which he stresses that it’s now time for the EU to devise a housing initiative for the middle class too.

Socialistas europeos reclaman que la Europa social sea la prioridad de la futura Comisión

by EuroEFE 09/11/2023
'European socialists demand that social Europe be the priority for the future Commission' article about the 'Champions of progress: Progressives go the extra mile for Social Europe!' side event organized by FEPS and PES

A szociális unió imperatívusza

by Új Egyenlőség 09/09/2023
'The imperative of Social Union'. Article about FEPS book 'Europe’s Social Integration: Welfare Models and Economic Transformations' by László Andor.