Europe must stand up to Hungary and Poland
The European Union cannot afford to compromise on the rule-of-law provisions it applies to the funds it allocates to member states.
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 rise of right-wing nationalism: from Poland to Polanyi
Karin Pettersson argues that far from history ‘ending’ in 1989 it has returned, with a vengeance, due to the very deregulation its trumpeters embraced.
The lost cause of the Trumpocracy
Like the southerners who never could get over their loss in the American civil war, Trump has nothing left but his own mythology.
Minimum-wage directive: yes, but …
The draft minimum-wage directive is a crucial first step but more needs to follow on the way to a social Europe.
The right to socially useful work
Amid the 1970s economic crisis in Britain, Lucas Aerospace workers, threatened with redundancy, developed a plan for socially useful work. It’s an idea whose time has come.
Work for all
An EU-wide job guarantee would be a counter-cyclical measure to tackle the health, employment and ecological crises together.
Is the coronavirus going to reshape the European welfare state?
In the wake of the pandemic, the classical variety of national welfare models must be transformed into a multi-level social citizenship.
A watershed moment for citizenship education in Europe
The pandemic has reinforced the need for citizenship education, so individuals are equipped to cope with its global challenges—and all the others.
A new start for transatlantic social democracy?
A Biden administration could join forces with progressive Europe to rebut polarising populism on both sides of the pond.
A human-centred approach to the future of work: time to walk the walk
The centenary of the International Labour Organization saw publication of a major report on the future of work. Action on its recommendations is now even more urgent.
Poland’s abortion protests—democratic standards at stake
The passion behind the demonstrations signifies a battle for basic democratic standards in a world of creeping authoritarian temptations.
An economic recovery that puts workers and the climate first
The US election provides an opportunity to take stock of where the country is headed and whether it is addressing the deepening crises its society faces.
Women and welfare: interview with Mary Daly
Mary Daly tells Robin Wilson that the coronavirus crisis has exposed the partial and limited nature of gender-equality gains.
How to move forward
Sheri Berman explores how progressives can offer viable solutions and build effective political coalitions to reverse the populist victories since the financial crisis.
Freedom is why Black Lives Matter
The US presidential election highlights the gap between the promise of freedom and justice and reality for African-Americans fuelling the recent protests.
Social dialogue: an opportunity in the midst of crisis
Some claim social dialogue is a luxury in a crisis when quick decisions are needed. On the contrary, the pandemic has proved.
Fair wages are key to Europe’s recovery
Ensuring a high wage floor in the EU is not just the right thing to do to lift the low paid but is integral to recovery from the pandemic.