[john_w_t_b]

Basic income would increase consumer demand and boost the EU economies. The poor already receive welfare payments in Europe. Make those payments unconditional, and the unemployed will be more inclined to take part-time and casual work to boost their incomes.

The middle class and rich will receive the basic income also. To these groups, the money will be a bonus and effectively a partial refund of their income taxes. It may encourage more people to try starting a business as they have some income to sustain them during the development phase.