Last 2 guys, it's a simple mathematical problem. In Socialist Utopias the state takes from those who work and gives to those who do not. The baby boomers are retiring. They have not sired enough kids to take over the bills. This means less funding for more people, which means higher taxes and less payouts for each individual. Everyone loses. Matters of environment, ethics, lolcats and whatever else is entirely irrelevant. It's a problem that will bankrupt all of Europe even if there were no other problems, and it will take generations to fix if we started right now.
Since you are obviously not European I can understand that your view of Europe might be slightly skewed as is our American view.
Ok let's state the opposite in the same light as you did.
If we don't help the sick they can't work, if they don't insure themselves (since they have no work) they still need medical attention. Eventually they end up in healthcare for which they have no money. Without money they get inadequate treatment and end up crippled. When crippled they sue everyone. Money has to come somewehere so taxes go up and economy goes down.
Both systems don't work ideally but I do believe in helping your fellow country members if they need help (up to a certain level).