Can data-labour unions break the monopoly capture of data?
Karin Pettersson begins a series of Social Europe columns by arguing it’s time to rethink ‘free’ data as the product of labour.
Politics
Analysis and debate on European and national politics, democracy, the rule of law, parties and elections, and Europe’s place in the world.
Restoring trust in Europe—wage rises and workplace democracy
Flatlining wages, denial of workplace voice and precarity are undermining trust in Europe—and assisting the siren calls of the populists.
Without solidarity, democracy is lost
If Europe’s democratic architecture is cracking, it is because its foundations are weakening. Solidarity is one of them.
Beyond identity politics and culture wars—a new universalism
We used to demand peace and love—now we demand no discrimination and no hate. Why did we lower our ambitions?
The apogee of capitalism and our political malaise
At the heart of the crisis of trust in politics lies the corrosion of public service by the ethos of private gain.
Macron and Kramp-Karrenbauer: vive la différence?
The proxy media exchange between the French president and the leader of the German Christian democrats is a sign of an emergent European public sphere.
I’m taking Friday off—permanently
It’s time to share evenly the benefits of automation. That’s why trade unions are calling for a four-day week.
What are central banks for?
The eurozone remains mired in unemployment while the European Central Bank targets only inflation. Adam Tooze begins a series of Social Europe columns by explaining the hidden history of the Fed’s more successful dual mandate.
Siege of Sarajevo: perpetrators of deadly attacks remain unprosecuted
Twenty-seven years since the siege of Sarajevo began, a handful of commanders have been tried, but Bosnian prosecutors have not yet filed any indictments against direct perpetrators of sniping and shelling attacks on civilians.
Chief executives’ pay: reversing the race to the top
Eye-watering remuneration for chief executives is economically wasteful as well as socially divisive. Non-profits should pioneer compressed wage hierarchies.
Capitalism and democracy: what if we have it backwards?
It has become fashionable on the left to suggest that capitalism and democracy are now incompatible. In her latest column, Sheri Berman reviews the contrary case.
Could the dollar be in default?
The US has been able to run growing budget deficits by issuing more dollars as the reserve currency. If a polycentric world ends its indulgence, the shock to America could be great.
Whistleblowers directive still needs to change
An EU directive nearing completion would protect the whistleblowers at the heart of recent scandals—but only if they reported within their organisation first.
Science and subterfuge in economics
A big argument of neoliberal economics is that unemployment is reduced by labour-market deregulation. Lack of robust evidence doesn’t seem to get in the way.
European Parliament elections: new responses in dangerous times
The European Parliament elections could see the emergence of a large populist bloc thwarting progress for the next five years. A big mobilisation is needed to prevent that.
Europeanising pensions and unemployment insurance
A European mechanism for pensions and unemployment insurance would protect vulnerable economies against asymmetric shocks and give life to the European Pillar of Social Rights.