This book analyses trends and data relating to issues affecting social policy in mature welfare states in Europe, and uses these elements to further our understanding of, and ability to try to say something about, the future of social policy, its direction and content.

Looking at the financial crisis of 2008, the refugee crisis in Europe, COVID-19, the climate crisis, ageing populations and the rise of artificial intelligence, it shows how these may also have an impact on future social policy, including what kind of social policy might be needed because of changes in living conditions across the continent.

Written by one of Europe’s more prominent social policy experts, this book, the first of its kind, will be required reading for all scholars and students of social policy, social welfare, public policy, sociology and social work.