Welfare, Social State, human dignity and European Union law

Abstract

The search for general welfare is an idea that in Europe dates back to the Greek philosophers. Implementing a non-contributory level of social benefits is presented as the most appropriate response of the Social State to fight against situations of extreme marginality and poverty. The welfare of the people is an objective enshrined in the Treaty on European Union, although Regulation 883/2004 on the coordination of social security schemes subjects tax-financed benefits for people with resources below the poverty threshold to a restrictive regulation.