1. Social benefits, costs of living and wages Versus The welfare state policy

2. Introduction Contradictions / positive elements Critical comments European Social benefits & security system?

3. Wages and benefit systems vs activating welfare state The Netherlands. Positive elements: - No one has to live below poverty standards - No excluding of civilians The Netherlands vs Europe. Contradictions: - Even for the working class there is a social security system - If you choose not to work, you can get supported

4. Income: Care allowance €60 Rent allowance €100 Child benefit €60 Wife money €150

5. Strenghts, weaknesses, opportunities and threats StrenghtsWeaknesses SecurenessGap Safety netConfusing Poverty reduction OpportunitiesThreats Basic welfareNon-stimulating EconomyThe exeptions

6. “Income from benefit systems” versus “costs of life” in The Netherlands Income all households Social benefit system income Low incomesSource Average income 334002100016000CBS Can afford Costs of living 89%72% CBS Can easely live76%Media

7. Critical comments Decrease of unemployed people in 2010 12% Improvement of general social welfare - position in international trade - innovation of products and services - clean/green energy Dutch main policy is good practise: - equal participation in society - perspective on work and income - strong basic social security system - reassuring unemployed - recovery of employment level - solidarity between working and non-working

8. European Social benefits & security system? Do we think that social benefits and social security has to become a subject of strong European regulations Do we consider it as wise to trust in member state’s own sovereignty ?

9. Questions? ?