The long shadow of market fundamentalism
In the dusk of neoliberalism a new narrative is needed to untangle the moral and political trade-offs of our times.
Economy
Social Europe is an award-winning digital media publisher driven by the core values of freedom, sustainability, and equality. These principles guide our exploration of society’s most pressing challenges. This archive page curates Social Europe articles focused on economic issues, offering a rich resource for innovative thinking and informed debate.
‘South working’: the future of remote work
If remote working is no longer to be temporary, workers could revitalise previously ‘remote’ areas.
Occupational safety and health—a fundamental right
On this World Day for Safety and Health at Work, as every day, some 7,500 workers will die from its absence.
Covid-19 and safety at work—union dilemmas
Unions have struggled with health-and-safety responses to Covid-19.
AI threatens to increase inequality
The debate on AI has focused mainly on its potential effect on employment. The impact on equality should not however be missed.
A single market for the future
War in Ukraine, the climate challenge and the concept of strategic autonomy are paving the way for a new type of single market.
Artificial intelligence: filling the gaps
Stronger legislation than the European Commission envisages is needed to regulate AI and protect workers.
What to do with Russian oil and gas
The European Union should apply import tariffs, instead of imposing an embargo.
Co-determination at issue in Europe’s top court
Can companies dilute national worker-involvement rights by becoming European?
The ECB should not hike interest rates
Europe’s central bank is under pressure to raise interest rates to counter rising inflation. It should resist it.
‘Post-work’ visions for 2030
The future could realise the dream of Marx and Keynes for a society beyond work—or a populist nightmare of worklessness.
The home as office—what’s gender got to do with it?
Rise of telework should dispel the notion that only work in the public sphere is, really, ‘work’.
Hungarian businesses as EU rentiers
Amid the impasse over its national recovery plan, a study has shown the very low effectiveness of EU funding in Hungary.
Fair pay for truck drivers
The Conference on the Future of Europe needs to hold out a prospect of a single market that works for its mobile workers.
Europe’s agriculture and care—mistreated migrants
Informal migrant workers are denied basic social protection and the chance to integrate.
Taking the heat out of energy prices
Instead of higher interest rates, Peter Bofinger urges lower VAT on energy and temporary suspension of the CO2 trading system.