Polarisation, fragmentation—the challenge after the elections in Spain
The elections in Spain represented a modest victory for the outgoing Socialists but the rhetoric of the right recalled a much darker era.
Is the crisis of social democracy a crisis of equality?
Social democracy in Europe is struggling to come to terms with the more complex equality agenda of today—to which its Antipodean counterparts are however offering some answers.
The trilemma of Big Tech
Karin Pettersson says we can have Big Tech’s market domination, business models and democracy—just not all at the same time.
The Juncker commission: lessons from an almost-lost mandate
The outgoing European Commission had some successes. But it was more defined by its shortcomings.
Inequality: from redistribution to predistribution and beyond?
Soaring income inequality inevitably raises discussion of more progressive taxation. But a more fundamental focus on the ownership of capital is needed.
Austerity is hurting women’s health
A close look at how the austerity practised in the UK since 2010 has affected women’s health shows a gender lens must always be applied to see the full picture.
A message for May Day
Mayday, mayday: the leader of the European trade union movement warns of the threat from the populists in the coming EP elections.
Workers change the world
The president of the GUE/NGL group in the European Parliament reflects on her retirement at the forthcoming elections and on the battles to come.
How to tax a multinational
For too long, multinational corporations—and digital firms in particular—have used existing rules to avoid paying taxes in countries where they do much of their business.
Output gap nonsense
Adam Tooze explains how a false exactitude in economics has led to a terrible politics in the EU.
Are ILO labour standards up for sale?
In its centenary year, the International Labour Organization received a poisoned chalice from the United Nations—an institutional reform which could represent a threat to ILO labour standards.
Reframing the European welfare state
The European welfare state does not have to be rebuilt from scratch. But it does have to focus on renewal rather than repair and on social solidarity rather than individual subjection.
From Europe-as-project to a real political community
Continuing our Europe2025 series, Marija Bartl argues that the metaphor of Europe as a ‘project’ foregrounds market integration and forestalls the emergence of a European public sphere.
European youth need something to vote for beyond precarious work
At first sight, it might appear that life for young people is becoming more comfortable. Advances in technology mean it’s easier to speak to friends,
A Social and Green New Deal to reverse the populist tide
The setback to the immediate plans of those seeking the UK’s exit from the European Union provides a window of opportunity to go on the offensive for an anti-populist, continent-wide alternative.
Populism and the embrace of complexity
Populists may often thrive with simple narratives. But Sheri Berman warns that simple explanations of populism itself will not pass muster.
Europe’s destiny is at stake
Léonce Bekemans initiates a ‘Europe2025’ series on Social Europe, which will look beyond the May elections to the challenges in the next term, with a call for a mobilising vision.