I come from the European Union and I can tell you that welfare state is terrible. I respect Mr. Krugman's scientific achievements, but in political matters he talks nonsense - he yields to political correctness. What is the methodology for life satisfaction research in which Denmark wins? There is probably no greater methodological poverty than a survey. The scientific methodology of macroeconomics already has many assumptions that are never fulfilled - and still the methodology of macroeconomics is light years ahead of all sociologists. Personally, I prefer to live in the US than in any EU country.,(reply>), Well, I understand that you have your views, but terrible sounds a bit too excessive. All Western European nations are pretty successful and provide basic stuff to everyone. <br><br>That's the Rawlsian society Krugman and the vast majority of social scientists tend to prefer. I assume you prefer the Nozickean society. <br><br>Have you read Rawls? Great, great philosophy.,(reply>), MrEppart why do people believe paying unaccountable drunk people injuries is a good idea? Smh. Also, there is no such thing like “uni practically being free”, instead it would be “my uni tuition being subsidized by others”. Later or soon, the money will be payed with more and more taxes.,(reply>), I enjoy being able to take an ambulance after injuring myself while drunk for literally 10€, i also enjoy my uni practically being free and having a social safety net so I can start a business and have a fail safe in the background. So I'm rather happy with my EU country.