Which European country has the core European ideals?

[XvThomas_LysergicV]

If we're using why the Danes are the happiest as the measuring stick, then it's probably any of the Scandinavian countries.

The reasons why:

• Denmark supports parents
• Health care is a civil right -- and a source of social support
• Gender equality is prioritized
• Biking is the norm
• Danish culture puts a positive spin on its harsh environment
• Danes feel a responsibility to one another

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden pretty much all do that.

The United Kingdom!? The Netherlands!? I heard the Netherlands is a happy place. They have no reason to be unhappy. They have a laid back liberal society. Biking is the norm over there to. Don't they have similar healthcare?

[Rædwald]

Estonia.

[EL_BARBARO]

My first thought is Denmark. They even came in a poll as one of the happiest people. Which culture in Europe is the best and why? Which culture in Europe has the most shortcomings, and what are they?

I don't understand the aim of this thread.

Then, what does the OP want to know? The european country with most core european ideals? The happiest? The best in culture? If the latter, what does he mean? Cultural level of its inhabitants? Educational level? The largest historical cultural country?

[Neon Knight]

I suppose core European ideals would be equal to the core Christian ideals, in which case every European country is failing to live up to those ideals.

[Brianna]

Germany is very dependent on NATO for defence, more so than Britain and France, so that gives a bit more money to spend on goodies.

Defence spending 2014 as % of GDP
Saudi Arabia 10.4
United Arab Emirates 5.1
Russia 4.5
United States 3.5
South Korea 2.6
India 2.4
World 2.3
France 2.2
United Kingdom 2.2
Turkey 2.2
China 2.1
Australia 1.8
Italy 1.5
Brazil 1.4
Germany 1.2
Japan 1.0

Perhaps Germany and Japan have "cold spending feet" because of World War II.

[Neon Knight]

Perhaps Germany and Japan have "cold spending feet" because of World War II.

Yeah. A guilty conscience effect.

[Brianna]

Yeah. A guilty conscience effect.

That's why we still have affirmative action.

[Neon Knight]

That's why we still have affirmative action.

In both these cases, do you think it's time to let go of the guilt?

[Brianna]

In both these cases, do you think it's time to let go of the guilt?

Let's put it this way. Your post could have been written in 1980.

[Visage pâle]

I suppose core European ideals would be equal to the core Christian ideals, in which case every European country is failing to live up to those ideals.

Christianity+aristocratics values.