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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 political issues, offering a rich resource for innovative thinking and informed debate.

Ending Britain’s “Brief Encounter” with Brexit

Stefan Stern 19th May 2025

A romantic Brexit reset? UK and EU edge closer to ending their brief but painful post-referendum encounter.

The Future of American Soft Power

Joseph S. Nye 19th May 2025

Soft power helped America lead the world. Trump’s wrecking ball diplomacy risks handing that role to China.

Europe Day with New Dimensions

László Andor and Udo Bullmann 9th May 2025

Transatlantic Tensions Demand A New Geoeconomic Strategy For Europe.

Funding the Future: Why the EU Needs a Bold New Budget

Carla Tavares 7th May 2025

As the current long-term budget nears its end, the European Parliament is laying down its demands for a more ambitious financial framework to tackle mounting challenges.

The European Union’s Road to Abundance

Elizabeth Kuiper and Pietro Valetto 7th May 2025

Why Europe must embrace an “abundance agenda” to deliver results, restore trust, and counter rising populism.

How Sweden’s Welfare Experiment Became a Warning to Europe

Lisa Pelling 7th May 2025

Sweden pioneered welfare privatisation, and its controversial model is now being exported across the continent.

The Shadow of Unfreedom: A New Authoritarianism Grips the Globe

Robert Misik 5th May 2025

A harsh, right-wing authoritarianism is rising, casting a shadow of unfreedom as classic conservatism fades.

To Counter Populism and Bolster Security, Europe Must Reinvest In Its Citizens

Catherine De Vries 2nd May 2025

Facing security threats and rising populism, Europe needs state investment in citizens, not austerity that fuelled discontent.

The End of Certainty: A New Geopolitical Era Begins in 2025

Nicolas Schmit, Hans Eichel, Jesus Caldera, Stewart Wood, Stefan Collignon, Damon Silvers and Hugo Zsolt de Sousa 2nd May 2025

Europe must redefine its global role.

A Day to Remember: Why May 8th Should Be a Belgian Holiday

Ellen de Soete 2nd May 2025

May 8th deserves to be a Belgian public holiday.

The Empire Strikes Back, and Europe is Confused

Jan Zielonka 25th April 2025

Amid a world of resurgent imperial powers, a fragmented Europe grapples with its past and uncertain future.

Gaza’s Descent Into Catastrophe Tests Europe’s Conscience

Josep Borell 25th April 2025

As Gaza endures unprecedented horror, Europe cannot longer stay inactive.

Europe Is Fighting the Wrong Tech Battle — Here’s What It Should Do Instead

Marietje Schaake and Max von Thun 22nd April 2025

Europe’s tech future is at risk—from Trump, Big Tech, and its own flawed competitiveness obsession.

Europe at a Crossroads: Social Democrats Must Reclaim Iran Diplomacy

Eldar Mamedov 22nd April 2025

As US-Iran talks teeter, the EU’s once-pivotal diplomatic role risks fading. Social Democrats face a crucial moment to revive Europe’s voice.

Labour’s Deafening Silence on Turkey’s Jailed Opposition Leader Raises Eyebrows

Denis MacShane 20th April 2025

European leaders speak out as Istanbul’s popular mayor is imprisoned — but Labour remains curiously quiet.

Governments Are Not Startups

Mariana Mazzucato 16th April 2025

Governments aren’t startups – and trying to act like one is a fast track to failure.

Democracy Under Siege: Trade Unions Rise as a Bulwark Against the Far Right

Claes-Mikael Ståhl 16th April 2025

Trade unions are poised to defend the institutions that bind society together.

American Suicide

Joschka Fischer 11th April 2025

Mere months into his term, Trump wrecks global trade, abandons allies, empowers rivals, pushing America towards collapse.

Georgia’s Geopolitical Fixation Masks a Deeper Crisis of Representation

Gia Jorjoliani and Tornike Chivadze 11th April 2025

Excessive focus on external threats obscures fundamental flaws in Georgia’s political system.

Fighting for Social Europe When Europe Is at War

Philippe van Parijs 9th April 2025

Europe faces its first major conflict since integration began, posing profound questions about unity, security, and the future of its social dimension.

Tariffs, the Dollar, and the End of Free Trade Consensus

Mark Blyth 9th April 2025

Tariffs, crypto grift, and chaos—or is a deeper economic reordering already reshaping the global system?

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