Valentina, European economies and unemployment picture have always lagged the US even before the recent crisis.. Germany's unemployment was above 12% when ours was 5-6%, and it's exactly because they have lots of social programs - people are not bothered to look for a job, the government will take care of all their needs including healthcare and housing.. but the productive people there are overtaxed, it's also reflected in the economic picture.. no one will try to work harder if their hard work is penalized by taxing them more.. it's just against human nature and never worked.. btw, if you still haven't, read Animal Farm by Orwell - it's all there why the utopia doesn't work.. (ch) (v)