Welfare states in Europe

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The German proverb "Misfortune seldom arrives alone" reflects the current socio-economic challenges in Germany, where the vibrant economic growth of the past is a distant memory for those entering the workforce today. Many young individuals struggle to find the right balance between efficiency and equity, essential for a civil society that bridges private and public sectors. The first part of the second chapter discusses defining this civil society and avoiding a purely liberal model through the Bismarckian social security system, which aims to maintain stability even in emergencies. In contrast, Ireland experienced a remarkable 132% growth in real GDP from 1988 to 2000, attributed not only to its social pact model but also to an improved welfare system that incentivized self-responsibility while reducing status-maintaining features. The second part of the second chapter explores the framework of Ireland's success in achieving efficiency and equity. The third chapter examines the differences in social security financing between Germany and Ireland and their impacts. The fourth chapter analyzes Germany's unlimited social service provisions in health care and compares them to Ireland's system. The fifth chapter addresses poverty reduction and efficiency improvements necessary for developing a civil society, highlighting the effects of reduced social security contributions in Ireland. The conclusion emphasizes the need for German