Context
A Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all citizens. This payment is granted on an individual basis, and without means-test or work requirement. The idea of a UBI has been the subject of discussion for decades in academic and economic circles as a measure to reduce social inequality.
For some years now, more and more sectors of society have considered the universal basic income’s suitability and, in fact, many countries around the world have carried out pilot projects .
The foreseeable loss of jobs brought about by the robotisation of the labour market and the covid-19 crisis have made it more urgent than ever to open a debate on this unconditional subsidy.
The Green European Foundation has been working on this issue for several years, intending to open a debate on UBI across Europe. We are now joining forces with other social actors to give this effort a broader scope.
Resources
- Online course. If you want to learn more about basic income, its scope, history, viability, and many other aspects, we recommend our online course Basic Income: Social Resilience in the Face of Instability
- Our in-depth reports
European Green Perspectives on Basic Income (2021)
The second issue of European Green Perspectives on Basic income gathers views on UBI from 16 European countries, but also includes pieces depicting basic income from important economic, social, and ecological angles. These contributions cover topics from economic fallacies to care work to feminism to climate justice and degrowth.
European Green Perspectives on Basic Income (2019) Basic Social Security 2030 (2020)
- Upcoming events
October 5th: A Basic Income for Europe
We will explore whether a European UBI is feasible and why it could be more beneficial than national UBIs.
October 19th: UBI & the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe
Has the pandemic fostered the debate around UBI? What social policies have Governments implemented to cope with the economic effects of the pandemic? We will analyse the GEF brochure on social policy responses to COVID-19.
November 2nd. UBI pilot projects
More and more pilot programs are being developed to test the idea of Universal Basic around the world. What have been the results and what lessons can we learn from them?
- Audiovisual material.
Find out more about UBI in our dedicated YouTube playlist
