Why EU action on minimum wages is so controversial—yet so necessary
The opening of debate on minimum wages across the EU has precipitated a Nordic union reaction against incursions on collective bargaining.
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.
New firms for a new era
Societies should not allow firms' owners and their agents to drive the discussion about reforming corporate governance.
Uber, employment and the gig economy
Whatever the company might wish to call it, Uber’s relationship with its workers is one of employment.
What’s at stake in the Democratic primaries
Sheri Berman sets out the reasoning of the contending camps behind the US Democratic presidential contenders—and their European resonances.
What will it take for women to be equal at work in the UK?
Employers and policy-makers can drive real progress in improving women’s working lives.
Just transition: the pensions analogy
A ‘just transition’ must replace fear of, and resistance to, brown job losses with consensus behind social investment. Pension reform provides parallels and pointers.
The politics of a just transition: avoiding fallacious arguments
John Weeks argues in our ‘just transition’ series that its success is linked to a political message of hope.
Isn’t a wealth tax common sense?
The wealth tax proposals advanced by Democratic US presidential primary contenders have drawn vehement criticism from many who should be supporting them.
Access to social assistance and rights for homeless people
Homeless people tend to have individualised, complex needs. But their first requirement is simple—a home.
The myth of job polarisation may fuel populism
There is only one problem with the theory that the labour market is becoming polarised between the low- and high-skilled. It’s wrong.
Fears and hopes around future minimum wages
The proposal by the European Commission to legislate on fair EU minimum wages has excited contrasting attitudes among trade unions in member states.
Instilling due diligence in corporate behaviour
Europe must act on its global responsibility to protect human and workers’ rights.
Russia’s path toward a better political capitalism
Branko Milanovic explains the possible thinking behind Vladimir Putin’s recent clouded constitutional announcements.
World Economic Forum: towards sustainability with neoliberal recipes?
The World Economic Forum has recognised intellectually that Scandinavian social models offer an alternative to rising inequality. It just can’t accept this ideologically.
Class struggle à la droite
Populism is boosted by economic crises, but its roots are cultural.
Telling a different story: the media and ‘just transition’
Continuing our series on ‘just transition’, Natalie Bennett argues that the media have an ethical responsibility to foster public understanding.
Just transition: replacing fear with hope
Just transition works and there are already many lessons learned. The most important is that workers must see a positive pathway ahead.