Catalonia: a fraught dialogue begins
The leaders of the Spanish government and that in Catalonia have met across the table—but the gap between them remains large.
Politics
Analysis and debate on European and national politics, democracy, the rule of law, parties and elections, and Europe’s place in the world.
How democracy can win again
Democratic erosion in Hungary is symptomatic of structural problems afflicting most democracies, even threatening the future of civilisation.
Young people and planetary justice
Ultimately, resolving the collective-action dilemma of preserving a liveable planet will require a UN ‘constitution of the Earth’.
On the EU’s Belarus border, security and fundamental rights collide
Weronika Grzebalska argues that Lukashenka’s thrashing around in eastern Europe forces progressives to offer a positive alternative on security.
All together now: facing the global challenges of our time
Recent headlines make it seem an inauspicious moment for a progressive transatlantic political alliance—yet this couldn’t be more urgent.
The consequences of neoliberal capitalism in eastern Europe
Sheri Berman argues that post-communist left embrace of economic as well as political liberalism allowed populists to target the latter.
Left-wing austerity during international crises—it’s the financial markets, stupid!
Left governments adopted more conservative fiscal policies than right governments in recent crises. They have dire electoral consequences.
Turkey and the Istanbul convention—fighting to keep it alive
The Turkish president no doubt thinks his decision to de-ratify the Istanbul convention is irreversible. The main opposition party disagrees.
Progressive mayors in central and eastern Europe challenge the status quo
Major cities in central and eastern Europe have elected liberal mayors. But socially conservative attitudes are unlikely to shift at national level.
Stefan Löfven—welding progressives together and keeping the far right at bay
The Swedish social-democrat leader, shortly to step down, didn’t buckle under pressure despite a slender parliamentary hold.
How Big Tech money skews the European playing-field
Record spending by technology companies lobbying the EU represents a democratic problem.
Apocalypse or co-operation?
The perfect storm of Covid-19 and climate change, and resulting economic damage, will likely trigger much more social and political instability.
Move fast and break Big Tech’s power
‘Surveillance capitalism’ can only be regulated on at least a European scale—and the mood for change is growing.
Mission-driven localities
Mariana Mazzucato and Georgia Gould
While exposing and exacerbating longstanding inequalities, the pandemic has given rise to a wealth of promising local initiatives.
Enhancing the political participation of women from under-represented groups
The author of a report to the Council of Europe elaborates how representation gaps can be closed so politics is refreshed and reflects wider society.
The long and winding road to global corporate tax justice
In theory, the Biden administration and the EU can collaborate to end multinational tax abuse. In practice, it’s not that simple.