Italy allocates 56% of its public spending to social protection, according to the report by Itinerari Previdenziali. In comparison, education, universities, and research - crucial for growth and development - received about €83 billion, or 4% of GDP, even less than interest payments on public debt in 2024.
These figures challenge the notion that Italy spends less than other EU countries on welfare. On the contrary, Eurostat rankings place Italy just behind Austria and France in terms of social spending relative to GDP. While pensions are largely funded by contributions from workers and employers, assistance, healthcare (around €138 billion), and local welfare programs (approximately €13.5 billion) rely on general taxation and, in part, new public debt.