G7 versus the BRICS: taking stock in 12 figures
Can China and Russia offer an alternative social model to the universal norms they reject? The evidence says no.
Society
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 societal issues, offering a rich resource for innovative thinking and informed debate.
Powering up: the EU and solar energy
A new approach is needed towards the photovoltaic industry in Europe.
Sweden’s climate policy—off the rails
A government beholden to the radical right, Lisa Pelling writes, is a warning to Europe the green transition can go into reverse.
Prostitution is not a free choice for women
The feminist goal is abolition of prostitution—not acceptance of it and mere defence of ‘sex workers’.
Vienna social-housing model: celebrated but misused
The ‘Vienna model’ has been distorted to embrace private investment but its real redefinition should be ecological.
Which comes first—Big Toxics’ profits or health?
Stricter European Union regulation of toxic chemicals is being jeopardised by corporate lobbying.
Fostering public research or boosting Big Tech?
The European Health Data Space should serve patients and healthcare workers, not private profit.
The case for a European prize for art
Europeans are living through an extraordinary historical moment. Great contemporary works of art help them grasp it.
Job quality: a sine qua non, not just nice to have
Elevating job quality by resourcing workers better is pivotal to addressing today’s workplace and societal challenges.
Europe’s food systems—long past their expiry date
To counter the threats posed to climate, biodiversity, human health and societal wellbeing, food systems need urgent transformation.
Air quality critical for social justice and the environment
New European air laws can save lives and help the climate. A key vote takes place in the European Parliament today.
Feeling the heat: Europe’s firefighters need support
Firefighter numbers have been cut, when investment—especially in prevention—is key to stemming Europe’s wildfires.
Collective bargaining: Romania shows the way
Romania’s recent law strengthening collective bargaining offers a way forward for the European Union.
Social protection: enhancing benefit take-up
Europe’s social-protection schemes are full of holes, affecting the most vulnerable most—but they can be fixed.
Cutting methane emissions: greater ambition needed
A proposed EU regulation on methane emissions must be strengthened, not diluted, to address a planet on fire.
Europe must unite to stop deep-sea resource grab
The ban on deep-sea mining risks losing its traction—and Europe is divided on the issue.
Five years of ‘Fridays for Future’: what future now?
The movement is adapting its strategy to advocate for social climate policies.