‘The best on Earth’: Can weak economic growth undermine Europe’s ‘very sophisticated social system’?

Pascal Lamy discusses Europe's struggle to maintain its advanced social model amid weak economic growth and competition from major economies. He highlights a disconnect between Europe's social commitments and its growth potential, which is significantly lower than that of the US, China, and India. Lamy argues that rising living costs and geopolitical tensions exacerbate social unrest, as seen in France. He emphasizes the need for Europe to negotiate with China rather than escalate trade conflicts, which could further strain household finances. The challenge lies in balancing social protection with economic competitiveness and strategic autonomy in a competitive global landscape.