A European digital public sphere—legal and policy implications
The EU has hitherto applied conventional market-regulating tools to the online arena. It’s time to adopt a human-centred approach.
Society
Analysis and debate on work and welfare, social rights, migration, gender, climate and the future of European societies.
Why do we need a European digital public sphere?
Katrin Dapp, Johanna Niesyto, Jan-Hendrik Passoth, Barbara Thomaß and Michael-Bernhard Zita
Introducing a new series on a European digital public sphere, some contributors sketch what it is—and explain why we need it.
Against ‘weaponised migration’
Using stigmatising language to describe the crisis at the Poland-Belarus border is wrong and plays into Lukashenka’s hands.
Jobs and a just transition can deliver climate ambition
As COP26 continues, global social ambition will have to match that for the climate to secure a liveable world for all.
Time for a proactive domestic and European industrial policy
Yelter Bollen and Tycho Van Hauwaert
There is growing recognition in Europe of the need to steer an ecological industrial transition—just not enough.
Facebook Files and ePrivacy lobbying expose the power of Big Tech
As MEPs host the Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen this afternoon, they need to step up their challenge to the surveillance capitalists.
The gamble for the planet: young climate activists could tilt the scales
Government leaders in Glasgow are still behind the climate curve but young activists might just drag the world ahead of it.
Climate conference: fix article 6
Alongside ambitious emissions-reductions targets, well-functioning carbon markets are key to success at COP26 and on today’s agenda.
Growing old—and what it means for the future of Europe
Milan Brglez, Jarosław Duda, José Gusmão, Marina Kaljurand, Miriam Lexmann, Marisa Matias and Sirpa Pietikäinen
Ageing can and should be a positive process, which the Conference on the Future of Europe should embrace.
A ray of hope for arts and cultural workers
A European Parliament report offers hope to arts and cultural workers struggling amid the pandemic. The European Commission must not disappoint them.
Deforestation an attack on the human rights of forest peoples
Hipólito Acevei and Gam A Shimray
The European Commission must recognise deforestation is not only about the environment but human rights, especially for indigenous peoples.
Care workers are key to quality care
On the Global Day of Action for Care Workers, unions mobilise for investment and decent work.
Is remote work an ecological alternative?
Can the trend to remote work spurred by the pandemic be associated with lower greenhouse-gas emissions? It depends.
Digitalisation and recovery—it’s not just about the technology
Digitalisation must be matched by social innovation if the national recovery and resilience plans are to be effective.
European social dialogue—can it be revived?
The European Court of Justice has affirmed that agreements arising from European social dialogue need not be implemented by the EU institutions.
To end poverty, invest in children
The author presents a report today to the UN General Assembly on the persistence of poverty, following dialogues with people in poverty around the world.