The trilemma of Big Tech
Karin Pettersson says we can have Big Tech’s market domination, business models and democracy—just not all at the same time.
Politics
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 political issues, offering a rich resource for innovative thinking and informed debate.
The Juncker commission: lessons from an almost-lost mandate
The outgoing European Commission had some successes. But it was more defined by its shortcomings.
Austerity is hurting women’s health
A close look at how the austerity practised in the UK since 2010 has affected women’s health shows a gender lens must always be applied to see the full picture.
A message for May Day
Mayday, mayday: the leader of the European trade union movement warns of the threat from the populists in the coming EP elections.
Workers change the world
The president of the GUE/NGL group in the European Parliament reflects on her retirement at the forthcoming elections and on the battles to come.
Are ILO labour standards up for sale?
In its centenary year, the International Labour Organization received a poisoned chalice from the United Nations—an institutional reform which could represent a threat to ILO labour standards.
Reframing the European welfare state
The European welfare state does not have to be rebuilt from scratch. But it does have to focus on renewal rather than repair and on social solidarity rather than individual subjection.
From Europe-as-project to a real political community
Continuing our Europe2025 series, Marija Bartl argues that the metaphor of Europe as a ‘project’ foregrounds market integration and forestalls the emergence of a European public sphere.
European youth need something to vote for beyond precarious work
At first sight, it might appear that life for young people is becoming more comfortable. Advances in technology mean it’s easier to speak to friends,
A Social and Green New Deal to reverse the populist tide
The setback to the immediate plans of those seeking the UK’s exit from the European Union provides a window of opportunity to go on the offensive for an anti-populist, continent-wide alternative.
Populism and the embrace of complexity
Populists may often thrive with simple narratives. But Sheri Berman warns that simple explanations of populism itself will not pass muster.
Europe’s destiny is at stake
Léonce Bekemans initiates a ‘Europe2025’ series on Social Europe, which will look beyond the May elections to the challenges in the next term, with a call for a mobilising vision.
Does Zuzana Čaputová’s victory signal a new politics in Slovakia?
Zuzana Čaputová emerged as the winner from Slovakia’s presidential election. Although viewed as a step away from populist and nationalist politics, the battle for the country’s political future is only just beginning.
The future of manufacturing—is it in Europe?
Europe can remain a manufacturing hub if it ensures early adoption of game-changing technologies, engages with global supply chains and manages the green transition.
Emissions inequality—a gulf between global rich and poor
When it comes to responsibility for global greenhouse-gas emissions, some are more equal than others.
The new spirit of postcapitalism
Capitalism emerged in the interstices of feudalism and Paul Mason finds a prefiguring of postcapitalism in the lifeworld of the contemporary European city.
‘Full and good employment’ and reviving the European ideal
The logic of a Euro-Keynesian recovery, towards socially useful full employment, leads inexorably to a rediscovery of wider European political ambition.