A Basic Income in Europe

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

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 a very ambitious policy proposal. The empirical applications are rare. However, a useful discussion needs to understand this instrument as a development to the current forms of social protection. 

According to An Unconditional Basic Income (UBI) is an income unconditionally granted to all members of a political community on an individual basis, without means test or work requirement. Unlike existing minimum income schemes in european countries, UBI is universal, individual, unconditional, and high enough to ensure an existence in dignity and participation in society. 

This report by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) explains the rational.