Is There A Future For Social Democracy In Europe?
The response to the Great Recession from European social democratic/centre-left parties, with some notable exceptions like Portugal’s, was largely to implement the austerity policies of
Year: 2017
Inequality in Europe: complex and multidimensional
Talking about inequality in Europe brings one face-to-face with a complex pattern of possible issues and dimensions, which can be measured in different ways. As
Trumponomics: Neocon Neoliberalism Camouflaged with Anti-Globalization Circus
A key element of Trump’s political success has been his masquerade of being pro-worker, which includes posturing as anti-globalization. However, his true economic interest is
Brexit, The UK Economy And Public Policy: Discredit Where Discredit Is Due
In the wake of the formal invoking of Article 50 by Prime Minister Theresa May, no one knows with certainty the impact on the UK
How do Progressives Fight Back Against Populism?
In recent years, the European Union has suffered through a cascading set of crises, including the Eurozone crisis, the refugee crisis, the security crisis, and
A European Treasury – One Answer To The EU’s Economic Woes
In Rome, EU leaders pledged to build a “prosperous and sustainable Europe” where “economies converge”. Fine words – but empty ones without more investment, especially
Citizen’s Income: Both Feasible And Useful
There has been much discussion recently in Social Europe posts about a Basic or Citizen’s Income: an unconditional and non-withdrawable income for every individual. My
Illiberal Stagnation
Today, a quarter-century after the Cold War’s end, the West and Russia are again at odds. This time, though, at least on one side, the
Europe’s Illiberal Establishment
On March 25, Europe’s leaders convened in the birthplace of the “European project” to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. But what
Brexit Creates Window Of Opportunities For The EU
The British government has officially started the “divorce” procedure from the European Union. This procedure must be completed within two years. In April 2019 the
Spineless Social Democracy
Of all social democratic parties in Europe none has fared worse at the polls of late than Iceland’s Social Democratic Alliance. Whereas in the parliamentary
After The Rome Declaration: A Union – Not A State
As was predictable, the Rome Declaration of 25 March 2017 (for the sixtieth anniversary of the Rome Treaties) ended up in an ambiguous compromise. Even
The Sixth Way: Devolution
The EU is confronted with its inability to solve successive crises. It is facing increasing unpopularity, culminating in the Brexit decision. While the EU is
A Brexit Bonanza For Irish Smugglers And Paramilitaries?
Promises from British Brexiteers of a soft border in Ireland are almost worthless. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has other priorities. Anyway, it depends on
Good Society: What Needs To Be Done
Trump, Brexit, Le Pen. Right-wing populist revolts are shaking the liberal order. Progressives, however, lack the strength to rein in global capitalism, break the neoliberal
Getting Basic Income Right
Universal basic income (UBI) schemes are getting a lot of attention these days. Of course, the idea – to provide all legal residents of a
Taxing The Robots?
The idea of a tax on robots was raised last May in a draft report to the European Parliament prepared by MEP Mady Delvaux from the Committee