From subsidising energy to reducing dependence
The only answer to energy price inflation is to reduce energy needs and dependence on fossil fuels, prioritising those on low incomes.
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.
Blindspots in free movement lead to homelessness
Mobile EU citizens can fall through national safety nets.
The urgent need for a post-growth society
Converting to an economy based on need rather than accumulation is not just an ecological imperative but a social desideratum.
Why countries should scrap the Energy Charter Treaty
The treaty stands in the way of signatories implementing the IEA’s exhortation to stop investing in fossil fuels.
Climate and security—never more closely linked
Far from reversing EU action on climate change, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has boosted a wave of more ambitious policies.
A social approach to climate change
‘Just transition’ is an idea whose time has come. But where did the Just Transition Fund come from?
Ukraine re-emphasises need to combat human trafficking
Trafficking linked to the Ukraine exodus underscores the need to tackle this scourge—and for a unified EU response.
European solidarity: silver linings through dark clouds
Say it quietly but adversity is bringing Europe together.
The paradox of inequality
Kate Pickett explains how to turn the vicious circle of inequality and social mistrust into a virtuous one.
Reversing inequality: from capital to citizens
Reviving the postwar spirit of egalitarianism is an economic and social imperative.
Does the future of Europe include disability?
The Conference on the Future of Europe failed to address persons with disabilities.
EU hydrogen targets—a neo-colonial resource grab
The REPowerEU plan to end Europe’s dependence on Russian gas would still leave it in hock to fossil-fuel companies.
Australian Labor’s climate policy
The 'teals' and Greens will turn up the heat on Labor’s climate policy. Here’s what to expect.
COP15: negotiations must come out of the shadows
Biodiversity receives less attention than climate, although the collapse of the planet's biomass is as worrying as climate change.
Ukraine is no reason to invest in gas
The EIB must resist pressure to finance liquefied-natural-gas projects and champion zero-carbon public transport instead.
Sweden’s schools: Milton Friedman’s wet dream
Lisa Pelling explains how ‘freedom of choice’ has wrought a vicious circle of inequality and underperformance.
Access to justice in the ‘Fit for 55’ package
Implementing the ‘Fit for 55’ package depends on citizens and NGOs being able to hold governments to account.