European social democracy is a political ideology that seeks to balance individual freedoms with social justice. It advocates for a mixed economy, combining free market principles with government intervention to ensure welfare and reduce inequality. Social democrats support policies like universal healthcare, education, and workers' rights, aiming to create a fairer society. This approach has been influential in many European countries, particularly in the Nordic model, which emphasizes high taxation and extensive social services. Prominent social democratic parties, such as the Social Democratic Party of Germany and the Labour Party in the UK, have played significant roles in shaping modern European politics.