Childcare, parental leave and children’s development
New research examines which of these two approaches produces the best outcomes for children.
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.
War and Ukraine’s sexual and reproductive health
Russia’s invasion has affected women in many ways, from pregnancy care to sexual violence as a weapon of war.
How schools can make refugee children welcome
Many refugee children are highly traumatised. Schools can offer a place of sanctuary and a welcoming culture.
EU funds need stronger social conditionality
The rules for allocation of EU funds should be more transparent and provide a meaningful role for the social partners.
Greening eastern Europe’s growth engines
The region has moved far too slowly in an era in which decarbonisation and climate resilience are essential.
Euronews: public-interest journalism in jeopardy
Workers and their unions are today sounding the alarm for media independence at the heart of Europe.
Steel’s power—and politicians’ lack of mettle
The steel industry’s strategic importance and lobbying power have shielded it from a tightening of the Emissions Trading System.
Elevating the Cinderellas of social care
The pandemic put care workers under terrible pressure, Lisa Pelling writes. Yet unions have been able to win greater recognition for them.
Introducing AI at work: workers must be involved
Rather than being displaced or controlled by AI, workers should be co-designers of its workplace deployment.
Ukraine reforms welfare system as cost of war rises
Social support will become means-tested as millions of Ukrainians face war, displacement and poverty.
Europe needs a social compass
Europe is undergoing multiple transitions. For these to succeed, social dialogue to build consensus will be essential.
How to prevent a housing crisis
The cost-of-living crisis threatens to tip over into a housing crisis. Prevention is better than cure.
EIB: dispensing billions to corporate profiteers
The European Investment Bank is a public institution—yet the public good is not its agenda.
Unlocking vacant properties to tackle homelessness
Europe’s cities have many social outsiders. Lessons are emerging on how ‘housing first’ can include them.
Generative AI needs more than a light touch
Chatbots such as ChatGPT raise huge data-protection and moral questions regulators must address.