What Germany’s Election Means for the Western Left
Fear of being left behind economically and socially proved to be potent fuel for the far-right Alternative für Deutschland, which for the first time won more votes than the Social Democrats.
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.
Europe’s Last Chance: Why the Union Must Reform or Face Ruin
Amid global autocrats and rising inequality, the European Union’s future hinges on structural reforms, ambitious investments and sustainability.
The EU Minimum Wage Directive: To Be or Not to Be?
Court challenge to EU minimum wage directive exposes tensions between legal interpretation, political compromise and social policy.
How to Finance European Defence?
Europe must balance rising defence needs with social spending, or risk political turmoil and far-right gains.
Europe Needs an Ambitious Clean Industrial Deal with a Strong Social Heart
Europe must act now to secure industrial jobs, ensure a Just Transition, and strengthen social conditions.
The Transatlantic Alliance Is Dying—What Comes Next for Europe?
With US power in retreat, Europe must decide: unite, or face irrelevance in a dangerous world.
Europe Alone
Europe stands at a crossroads: unite, rearm, and lead—or risk irrelevance in a dangerous new world.
Facing Trump: Why Europe Must Revive Common Debt
Mario Draghi’s report called for bold investment and common debt issuing, but it is fuelling a dangerous deregulatory push across Europe.
Austria’s Conservatives Trapped: Coalition or Collapse?
The ÖVP’s’ coalition gamble failed, leaving Austrian politics adrift.
Totalitarian Democracy: How Populist Leaders Are Undermining Democracy
Populist leaders exploit democracy to consolidate power, dismantle institutions and sideline expertise.
PartnerUp: Transforming Adult Education Through Lifelong Learning and Collaboration in Europe
Read about the achievements of PartnerUp Project.
China’s DeepSeek Is Changing the AI Race—What is Europe’s Edge?
DeepSeek’s AI breakthrough challenges US dominance and disrupts global competition.
The OECD’s Demographic Time Bomb: Why Governments Must Rethink Social Protection Now
Ageing populations and falling birth rates threaten social protection.
Confronting the Pandemic’s Toxic Political Legacy
Resentment over pandemic policies fuels far-right gains, deepens distrust in science, and reshapes politics in the US and Europe.
Corporate Power vs. Social-Ecological Transformation: Why Progress Remains Stalled
Fossil fuel giants and entrenched elites block climate action.
Austria’s Radical Lurch: Kickl’s Power Grab Looms
A radical leader edges towards transforming Austria's democracy, sparking widespread concern.
Hungary: Safe Haven for Poland’s Corrupt Officials?
Fugitive Polish officials accused of corruption find asylum in Hungary, raising concerns about EU rule of law.