Commission White Paper Option Six: A Europe of Democracy And Social Justice
The White Paper by Jean-Claude Juncker on 1 March 2017 is a poor answer to the crisis of the European Union. In response, I am proposing that
Basic Income’s Radical Role
Most misunderstandings concerning basic income arise from exaggeration about what it can or ought to achieve. This is illustrated in reasonable points raised by Ruth Lister
Unconditional Basic Income Is A Dead End
The concept of an unconditional basic income is becoming increasingly popular among economists, managers, activists and entrepreneurs as an alternative to traditional social policy. Instead
Narrowing The Wages Gap In Europe
There are huge disparities in wage levels across the EU. As Figure 1 shows, the level in Romania in 2015 was about half that of
Growth Of Minimum Wages Accelerates Across Europe
The growth in average (nominal) pay of employees has accelerated in recent years in EU countries after a slump following the economic crisis (AMECO data).
European Union First
The world needs the European Union now more than ever. Despite recent crises and the hard blow dealt by the Brexit vote, the EU may
Global Citizens, National Shirkers
Last October, British Prime Minister Theresa May shocked many when she disparaged the idea of global citizenship. “If you believe you’re a citizen of the
The Trump Handbook For Aspiring Autocrats
In the weeks since Donald Trump took the oath of office he has set out on a dizzying path of Executive Orders, openly challenged fundamental
Global Inequality, Populism And The Future Of Democracy
The election of Donald Trump to the US Presidency as well as the seemingly inexorable ascendency of right-wing populism in Europe has raised troubling questions
Taking The Initiative: How Europe Should Respond To Brexit
The week after the UK voted to leave the European Union, Nigel Farage went to the European Parliament and boasted that this was the beginning
Progressive Alternative Policies Are Essential Now
This is a year of crucial national elections in key European countries. In all these countries, right–wing populism raises its ugly head, even though it
The Alternative Facts Of The Basic Income Movement
A couple of days ago, I received the most recent newsletter of BIEN (Basic Income Earth Network). As always, this is very interesting literature, though
Working Against The Jobless Society
The “endless” 2008 crisis is producing difficult growth, excessive unemployment, increasing inequalities. All this is stimulating interest in the recurrent tendencies in capitalism to “secular
Zero Interest Rates In EU: The Myth Of The Poor German Saver
The German saver is suffering! The European Central Bank ought to make policy for the Germans again! That naughty Mario Draghi; those poor Germans! Maybe
As MEPs Vote On CETA, Trade Unions Demand A New Approach To Trade
After months of argument which brought hundreds of thousands of protestors onto the streets of European cities, the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
Macron And A New French Third Way
Emmanuel Macron’s star has been rising, there is no doubt about it. His campaign, reportedly long planned but rapidly developing in response to external events,
Without Social Democracy, Capitalism Will Eat Itself
It’s a tragedy but there’s no way around it: At a time when it is most needed, social democracy is at an historic low point. What