Decarbonising the built environment: circularity key
The World Circular Economy Forum meets today in Helsinki—construction is one of the biggest challenges.
Society
Analysis and debate on work and welfare, social rights, migration, gender, climate and the future of European societies.
Europe’s just transition—still out of reach
Amandine Crespy and Mario Munta
If it holds on to ‘green growth’ and tight fiscal constraints, the EU will be unable to negotiate a just transition.
Cities harnessing innovation for the circular economy
Pau Ruiz and Ana Birliga Sutherland
Cities have the agility to lead the transition to circularity and already have a body of good practice to show.
When life gives you lemons, make anti-poverty strategies
Estrella Durá Ferrandis and Alba Huertas Ruiz
As the Porto Social Forum convenes, two years on from the Social Summit there, it’s time to upgrade the EU social agenda.
Landmark European ruling on LGBT+ rights
European same-sex couples have a right to civil unions, Romania and Russia have recently discovered.
‘Carbon colonialism’: Europe’s global footprint
Without a global awareness, Europe’s transition to ‘net zero’ will be a zero-sum game.
EU funds need stronger social conditionality
Claes-Mikael Ståhl, Judith Kirton-Darling, Jan Willem Goudriaan, Kristjan Bragason and Oliver Roethig
The rules for allocation of EU funds should be more transparent and provide a meaningful role for the social partners.
Greening eastern Europe’s growth engines
The region has moved far too slowly in an era in which decarbonisation and climate resilience are essential.
Euronews: public-interest journalism in jeopardy
Oliver Roethig and Ricardo Gutiérrez
Workers and their unions are today sounding the alarm for media independence at the heart of Europe.
Steel’s power—and politicians’ lack of mettle
The steel industry’s strategic importance and lobbying power have shielded it from a tightening of the Emissions Trading System.
Elevating the Cinderellas of social care
The pandemic put care workers under terrible pressure, Lisa Pelling writes. Yet unions have been able to win greater recognition for them.
Introducing AI at work: workers must be involved
Isabelle Barthès and Patricia Velicu
Rather than being displaced or controlled by AI, workers should be co-designers of its workplace deployment.
Europe needs a social compass
Esther Lynch, Nicola Countouris and Philippe Pochet
Europe is undergoing multiple transitions. For these to succeed, social dialogue to build consensus will be essential.
How to prevent a housing crisis
The cost-of-living crisis threatens to tip over into a housing crisis. Prevention is better than cure.
EIB: dispensing billions to corporate profiteers
Frank Vanaerschot and Paul Creeney
The European Investment Bank is a public institution—yet the public good is not its agenda.
Unlocking vacant properties to tackle homelessness
Europe’s cities have many social outsiders. Lessons are emerging on how ‘housing first’ can include them.