FEPS Talks: Recent Episodes
Foundation for European Progressive Studies
Series of podcasts related with the research and policy activity of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies
Prof Dr Jens Südekum (Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf) and Dr László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, assess the ongoing debate on the sanctions on Russia in Germany and in the rest of Europe. They discuss what could be the consequences of harder decisions related to the oil and gas imports from Russia and how the current situation can affect the EU competitiveness and economic growth potential. Prof Südekum highlights the need for a more autonomous Europe in terms of defence as well as energy. The speakers also discuss the different scenarios this war can leave behind for Europe: continuing economic warfare with Russia, leading the reconstruction of Ukraine, and a reinforced economic architecture within the European Union.
In order to explore the different care inequalities that directly feed into gender imbalances across all spheres of life, Labour MP for Birmingham and Shadow Minister Jess Philips is interviewed by Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Policy Analyst for Gender Equality). Building on the realities made evident by the EU Care Atlas launched by FEPS and the Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung and the complex relationship between motherhood and equality, this podcast puts the finger on how care deficits permeates into various other gender gaps, including politics, and how female politicians have a central role in changing conventional ways of doing politics and in shifting the priorities towards a care-oriented society.
In this podcast Mohammed Chahim, Vice President of the S&D group a gives a broad overview of the rationale for and the functioning of as well as the political debates on the proposal of a European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). MEP Chahim, who is the rapporteur for the proposed CBAM regulation, outlines the role of the proposed mechanism for establishing a global level playing field in a world of unequal carbon prices. In addition, he touches on the issues of how a CBAM can replace the allocation free allowances and how the revenues raised via the adjustment mechanism can be used for international climate finance. He also reflects on some broader issues such as the role of carbon pricing in decarbonising European industries and on how the persistence of subsidies to carbon intensive processes has in the past delayed the transformation towards climate neutrality. Finally, MEP Chahim explains some of the amendments that he has proposed for the CBAM regulation such as a shorter phase out period for free allowances.
Former EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Stefan Füle and FEPS Secretary General László Andor analyse in this episode the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the consequences for the European Union. They argue that the common answer given by the member states will eventually make the EU stronger. Strategic autonomy will mean that the EU becomes a more united and autonomous actor with a global role. Füle and Andor also discuss the future of EU enlargement and what could potentially change in the accession process. They also assess the role of EU diplomacy in the current conflict and look back to some previous episodes of the EU-Russia relations. A key conclusion is that the war and the united European response will make the EU rethink its defense strategy and a new continental security architecture will emerge.
Stephen Bevan, Head of HR research development at the Institute for Employment Studies and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, discuss the impact of COVID-19 in the working conditions, based on the results of the new study about the UK, and compare the main conclusions with the situation in the countries and regions of the European Union. They highlight how the pandemic created the concept of “key workers” and gave rise to new practices like homeworking. The impact on social inequalities and flexibile forms of employment are also discussed.
Bevan and Andor touch upon other important issues related to health at work, and elaborate on wellbeing as well as mental health. They appreciate the endeavour of the EU to create a Health Union provide effective support to member states in their fight against cancer.
This FEPS Talks episode focuses on the issue of fair pay in Europe. Building on some key insights and contributions from the brand new policy study “Creating momentum for fair pay: assessing policies with leverage” co-published by FEPS, Fondation Jean Jaurès and Fair Pay Innovation Lab (FPI), one of the co-authors of this publication, Katinka Brose (Senior Strategy Agent, FPI), is interviewed by Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Policy Analyst for Gender Equality). From the many underlying reasons to concrete policy answers seeking to close the gender pay gaps, they discuss some good practice examples in countries like Iceland, Switzerland, Germany, France, Denmark or the UK whilst assessing the opportunities offered by EU policy developments through legislative measures ensuring pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms.
In this FEPS talk episode Katherine Trebeck, co-founder of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, and Andreas Dimmelmeier, Policy Analyst on Climate and Environment, introduce and debate about the concept of a Wellbeing economy. Trebeck outlines what a wellbeing economy means for people, businesses and governments and how it differs from existing views on "the economy".
Cedric Wermuth, Co-Chair of the Swiss Socialist Party, engages in a conversation with Ania Skrzypek, Director for Research and Training about why ideological integrity matters so much; how to translate an ambitious agenda for equality and social justice into concrete economic proposals; as also what ways are there to move on from the persistent cliff-hanger in EU – Switzerland negotiations.
Dr Reinhard Krumm, Director of the FES Baltic States office, and Dr László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, analyse in this episode the dangerous tensions around the Russia--Ukraine border. First, they go through the last decades and review the main developments in international relations in the last 30 years that brought us to the current situation. They look back to key episodes like the enlargements of NATO, the war in Georgia, and the annexation of Crimea by Russia. Dr Krumm insists on the fact that the discussion on security and defence has never been so intense in this century. He refutes the arguments that we would be going back to the Cold War, because this time there are more actors involved (the rise of China is not irrelevant, even if China is geographically distant from the current conflict zone). Both speakers agree that European diplomacy and negotiations with Russia are essential to solve the conflict, and to reach a new status quo with Russia. Progressive values of security, democracy and cooperation for mutual prosperity should guide EU actions vis-à-vis Ukraine and other countries in the Eastern Neighbourhood.
Amandine Crespy, Associate Professor in Political Science and EU Studies, and David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policy, discuss in this FEPS Talks episode the main developments of Social Europe over the recent period. Building on Crespy's book "The European Social Question - Tackling Key Controversies", the podcast examines the legitimacy of the EU in this policy area of shared competence. They agree that the EU Pillar of Social Rights was a turning point that helped the current Commission to accelerate on socially relevant policies. After addressing some of the recent novelties - from the European Labour Authority to the Social Climate Fund and the Adequate and Minimum Wage initiative - the experts ponder on the impact that the recovery process and NRRPs plans will have on the coordination of socio-economic policy in Europe.
Dr Anneliese Dodds, Chair of the British Labour Party and Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, joins Dr Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training in this FEPS Talks episode to speak about the Labour’s vision for Britain 2030. Discussing the new document “Stronger Together”, they explore short term and long-term political challenges, offering the sneak-peek ahead of this weekend’s FEPS – Fabians New Year’s Conference and the panel about the future of social democracy.
Professor Andrew Gamble and Dr Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training, look at the challenges that democracies in the EU are facing, searching for answers on how to make the ideal persevere, the system reform and the individuals in societies reconnect. Examining the sense of isolation and need for togetherness in the COVID times, they suggest ways in which way progressives should reclaim the debate on state and empower citizens restoring credibility of deliberative processes.
Michael Miebach, Chair and Co-Founder of Das Progressive Zentrum, and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, analyse the legacy of Angela Merkel in Germany and Europe after 16 years in office: her strengths and flaws and her role in decisive episodes like the crisis of the Eurozone or the 2015 refugee crisis. Focusing on the latest developments, Miebach and Andor discuss the reasons behind the SPD victory under the leadership of Olaf Scholz and they also explore the critical issues that the “traffic light” coalition will face in the coming period.
Brikena Xhomaqi, Director of the Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP), and David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policy, discuss in this episode about the right to lifelong learning just after the launch of a Commission’s proposal for a Council Recommendation establishing individual learning accounts. They exchange on how to attain the ambitious EU headline target for adult participation in training and reflect on the need to expand access to formative opportunities. The conversation focused on how to ensure inclusiveness and quality of LLL programs and on the different role of the private, public sector and civil society.
With more than 30 years of existence, the Erasmus programme is one greatest success of the European Union. Alfonso Aliberti, Project Officer at the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EC), and François Balate, Head of Office of FEPS President, discuss about the conclusions we can draw from it and what is the next frontier to ensure that all young people have access to opportunities in Europe and see their rights fulfilled.
Martin Seeleib-Kaiser, Professor of Comparative Public Policy at Tübingen University, and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, discuss in this FEPS Talks episode important chapters of Social Europe: starting with new developments related to minimum wage. Prof Seeleib-Kaiser explains the centrality of the concept of human dignity, and the purpose of promoting minimum income schemes at EU level. The conversation links the new social agenda to sustainability and reaches out to questions of youth employment and territorial cohesion as well.
In this extremely timely episode, Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz, MEP and former Prime Minister of Poland, talks to Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training, explaining how the border tensions are instrumentalized to change the narrative in Belarus and Poland, how the rights of the migrants have to be in focus and the aid must be extended, as also how the situation requires better understanding and stronger political will from the side of the EU.
This edition of the #fepstalks features Samantha Smith, director of the Just Transition Centre that has been established by the International Trade Union Confederation, in conversation with Andreas Dimmelmeier, FEPS policy analyst on climate and environment. Samantha talks about the importance of coming up with and implementing just transition plans that feature contributions from social partners and outlines positive examples including in South Africa, Spain and Germany. The podcast also touches on the need for government and energy companies to protect workers and less affluent households from price increases as well as on the necessity for tax and investment reforms to fund the just transition.
Will the EU be successful in defending democracy and rule of law? Will the conditionality mechanism be used for the first time? Is Poland to be used to make an example? Will there be a Polexit? What about Polish protesters? – these and other fundamental questions remain at the focus of this episode of the FEPS Talks, which feature This Reuten, S&D Member of the European Parliament, and Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director of Research and Training. Together they try to explain why the last ruling of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal giving the primacy to the national law above the European one became the proverbial last straw that broke the camel’s back, as also why it is unlikely for any of the sides to make any concession at this point.
Guy Ryder, ILO Director General, and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General analyse in this episode the main transformative challenges in the world of work: new technology, climate change, digitalisation and aging population. The International Labour Organisation proposed innovative solutions in three different fields: people and their capacities (social protection, lifelong learning), institutions of work (labour regulations/law) and jobs of the future (green economy, care economy etc.). The two speakers agree that the European Union’s example, even if not perfect, offers many forward-looking examples also for the rest of the world. They bring to our attention the problem of rising inequality and the very uneven recovery experience from COVID 19 in advanced economies and developing countries, even if the pandemic highlighted that global challenges need global responses, and stronger multilateral structures in the long-run.
September 28th marks the International Safe Abortion Day. It therefore presents an opportune moment to recall how a fair and safe access to abortion constitutes a crucial condition for the respect of women’s fundamental rights and to eliminate gender discrimination. What is the importance of international solidarity for gender justice? How do we end the stigma and discrimination towards abortion? How do we ensure access to safe and affordable abortion healthcare services? How did the Covid-19 pandemic impose further hurdles to women in need of access to sexual reproductive health and rights? Why are women’s bodies so highly politicized? What are the main lessons to draw from success stories such as the repeal the 8th amendment abortion rights campaign in Ireland? In this podcast, Rhonda Donaghey (PES Women executive member and women’s rights activist from Ireland) engages in conversation with Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Policy Analyst for Gender Equality) on these questions whilst exploring progressive answers living up to women’s rights and gender equality.
Dr. Hannes Swoboda, former S&D group leader in the European Parliament, and current President of the International Institute for Peace, is our special guest in the #100 FEPS Talks episode. In a conversation with Dr László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, he shares his view about the erosion and current reconstruction of social democracy, pointing to examples of revitalisation like Norway or (according to the latest polls) Germany.
Swoboda and Andor also reflect on the role of the progressives in the debate on the future of Europe. Our guest proposes to focus on job creation and address many new challenges in the new labour markets. Decent jobs and decent incomes remain paramount goals for social democrats. He also highlights the importance of giving to the young generation the possibility to build an EU with a stronger social dimension. They both agree that the issue of EU enlargement is not present enough in the ongoing debates on Europe’s future and discuss how the Western Balkans strategy should be based on solidarity and better take into account geopolitical aspects. The conversation ends with a book recommendation by Dr. Swoboda.
Matt Duss, Foreign Policy Advisor to US Senator Bernie Sanders, joins Vassilis Ntousas, Senior International Relations Policy Advisor at FEPS, for an episode focusing on the Afghanistan withdrawal, the emerging US foreign policy doctrine under president Biden, the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and what recent developments mean for ‘the West’ and the international liberal order, and the future of transatlantic cooperation after these momentous events.
Professor Thorsten Schulten, WSI Institute of Economic and Social Research at the Hans Blöcker Stiftung with Dr. David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policy
The episode starts with a look at the consequences of the pandemic for employment and a reflection on the impact it has on wages and labour shortages. Prof. Schulten then comments on the changing attitude of national and European politics toward employment and wages. The Commission’s proposal on adequate minimum wages is discussed; despite its merits the initiative faces big resistances that are analysed in this talk.
Following the recent resignation of the Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, professor Jenny Andersson from Science Po and Uppsala University and dr Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director of Research and Training discuss the developments in Sweden in the context of the situation of the centre-left in Europe. Tune in to hear analysis of the last decade of the political history of Sweden and find out what the likely scenarios are when it comes to search for a new leadership and new way forward ahead of the general elections next year.
“My body, my choice” was coined as a feminist struggle setting the tone of this podcast addressing women and girls’ sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Women’s equal access to labour and their full control over their own bodies namely constitute the two core preconditions for women’s full emancipation. In fact, a woman’s power to control her own body is linked to how much control she has in other spheres of her life. It also lies in the European Union’s hands to demonstrate leadership in highlighting why bodily autonomy is a universal right that must be upheld by making SRHR a precondition for universal access to health and allowing no concession on this fundamental principle, such as the recently adopted report of the European Parliament on the situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the EU.
Recent developments across the Union namely reveal how serious many of the shortfalls in bodily autonomy are; many have worsened under the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, for instance, record numbers of women and girls are at risk of gender-based violence and harmful practices, seeing their rights regressing dramatically. In light of current anti-gender developments across Europe, Neil Datta (Secretary of European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights) engages in conversation with Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Policy Analyst for Gender Equality) showing, once more, that women’s rights and bodily autonomy are never granted but must constantly be fought for.
Fore more details, look up the full report “Tip of the Iceberg: Religious extremist - Funders against Human Rights for Sexuality & Reproductive Health in Europe”(June 2021) available here: https://www.epfweb.org/node/837
Professor Jonathan Kirshner (Boston College) and Dr László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, mark in this podcast episode the 50th anniversary of the “Nixon shock”, the day when the convertibility of the US dollar to gold was suddenly ended. They discuss how in the post-war decades great imbalances developed in the global financial system which eventually brought the Bretton Woods currency arrangements to an end. This regime change is considered as a critical step by many economic historians which then motivated Western Europe to seek a greater monetary stability through deeper integration (creating the EMS and the EMU).
For the euro to play a stronger international role, and serve as a pillar of strategic autonomy, Prof Kirshner points to criteria outlined in the optimum currency area theory: having a more robust common fiscal policy but less barriers to labour mobility. A return to gold should not be considered (could only lead to deflationary bias).
Kirshner and Andor also elaborate on the personality of President Nixon, surrounded by influential figures like Henry Kissinger, Milton Friedman and John Connally – neither of whom encouraged Nixon to sacrifice domestic priorities for stabilising the international order or multilateral institutions. The conversation ends with an update of the reading list and even cinema recommendations related to political economy.
Dr. Cinzia Alcidi, Director of Research and Head of the Economic Policy Unit at CEPS and Dr. David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policy comment on the outcomes of CEPS Task Force on New Industrial Policy and its relation with the need to boost a job-rich recovery. The conversation insists on the need to link the European industrial policy to job quality, skills and regional cohesion. In this episode, Dr Alcidi also speaks about SURE and the need to potentiate this instrument for the lasting effects of the COVID-19 crisis on employment.
For a more progressive sports model The day after the final of the UEFA European Championship 2021, Jean-Michel de Waele, Professor of Political Sciences at the ULB, joins François Balate, Head of Office of FEPS President, to analyse what is the relationship between sports, more specifically football, and politics. They reach the conclusion that a more progressive sports model is needed but they also comment on the results of the European Championship, the reactions of politicians in social media and how these kinds of tournaments could reinforce the European identity or could better reach some EU goals, such as the fight against climate change and minority rights.
Special episode with Gaute Børstad Skjervø, vice-president of AUF, Utøya attacks survivor and member of the remembrance committee
Diederik Samsom, Head of Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans, in charge of the European Green Deal, talks with Saïd El Khadraoui, FEPS Special Adviser on the Green Deal, just one day after the adoption of the Fit for 55-package by the European Commission.
Diederik Samsom emphasises the importance of the European Climate Law that made the EU’s commitment to make its economy climate-neutral by 2050 and reduce its emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990, legally binding. The Fit for 55-package builds on previous climate instruments, but expands the scope of the EU’s climate action in order to make everyone and all sectors contribute.
The social dimension and fairness are integrated with the introduction of a new Social Climate Fund. His next priority will be to secure a good outcome of the negotiations with co-legislators and shift attention to the EU’s role on the global scene to accelerate the climate transition at the international level, in the run-up to COP26.
Andrew Small, senior transatlantic fellow with GMF's Asia Program, joins Vassilis Ntousas, Senior International Relations Policy Advisor at FEPS, for an episode focusing on China and the evolving dynamics in the transatlantic outlook vis-à-vis Beijing
Contributing to the LGBTIQ Pride Month leading up to the international pride day (June 28th), this FEPS Talks edition features Flora Bolter (political scientist, activist and co-director of the LGBT+ observatory of the Fondation Jean-Jaurès) who engages in a conversation with Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Gender Equality Policy Analyst). After seeking to untangle the complexity of the multiple realities behind the acronym together with its historic and societal evolution, this podcast offers a glimpse into the intersecting forms of discrimination people from the LGBTIQ community face whilst touching on recent developments within Europe, from the alarming backlash against LGBTIQ rights challenging fundamental rights to the role of the European Union seeking to assert itself as a Union of Equality.
Professor Raymond Torres, Director for Macroeconomy and International Analysis of think tank Funcas, discusses with Dr László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, the need for reinforcing economic governance and fiscal capacity in the European Union to ensure that we emerge stronger from the Covid-19 recession. This would require turning the tools of economic crisis response into permanent instruments, also to avoid the type of economic and social polarisation, including between North and South, which we experienced in the previous crisis. Professor Torres compares the European response with the one of the United States, that has appeared to be much more robust at least in the Spring of 2021. He also highlights the need for complementing the roll-out of Next Generation EU with a serious reform of the fiscal rules.
In this very special episode, aired 5 years since the assassination, we commemorate Jo Cox who was an extraordinary person, a passionate activist, and an incredibly talented politician of the Labour Party. In a conversation with Baroness Jan Royall (Principal of Somerville College in Oxford) Ania Skrzypek (FEPS Director for Research and Training) discusses the meaning of “we have more in common than that what divides us”. Moreover, they look at Cox’ legacy and how the memory of it should be cultivated by Progressives around the world upholding principle standpoints; when it comes to the future of the EU – UK relations, when it comes to fostering democracy and gender equality, and when it comes to building communities – cherishing solidarity.
Adnan Tabatabai, CEO of CARPO, joins Vassilis Ntousas, Senior International Relations Policy Advisor at FEPS, for an episode exploring the dynamics and main players of the upcoming presidential election in Iran, the legacy of outgoing president Hassan Rouhani, and the state of play concerning the ongoing nuclear talks over the future of the JCPOA
S&D MEP and Rapporteur Christel Schaldemose and Justin Nogarede, FEPS Digital Policy Analist
The crucial set of rules for online services dates from 2000. Back then, many online services were merely providing tools for users to access the web and build their own websites. And online business models were still unclear. Therefore, the EU allowed experimentation and adopted rules that largely shielded services from liability for content shared by their users. Fast forward 20 years and things are radically different. Large online platforms dominate the Internet and they fundamentally shape the user experience via algorithmic selection and ranking of content. They often make their money by selling ads, based on detailed user profiles. There is a mismatch between their lack of accountability and their size and influence over our economy and democracy. The European Commission’s proposal for a Digital Services Act intends to address these concerns, but will it be sufficient?
Christel Schaldemose is the Rapporteur for the Digital Services Act in the European Parliament’s IMCO Committee. She has just finalised her draft report, and she will be instrumental in upcoming negotiations within the Parliament and with the Council of the EU. The conversations touches on online marketplaces’ responsibility for goods sold on their platforms, what to do about tracking ads, rules on recommender systems (algorithms!) and more.
What’s next in the fields of cohesion, convergence and enlargement? Dr Mario Holzner, executive director of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw), discusses with Dr László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, the latest study of the institute: “Avoiding the specialisation trap and embracing megatrends: A new growth model in EU-CEE”. The study was commissioned by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES). They analyse what are the main challenges that the CEE region is facing like an aging population and the need to adapt the industry to the changes brought about by robotization and digitalisation. At the same time they also identify opportunities and the potential of the region and how the EU funds could help these countries moving closer to the development level of Western Europe. The discussion highlights the importance of reconsidering competitiveness and reforming EU tools in the fields of convergence and cohesion. Finally, the discussion arrives at the questions of further EU enlargement: why this is so important for the Western Balkans but also the entire EU, and how this should also be a major topic in the Conference on the Future of Europe. What concerns Next Generation EU and the recovery strategy, Mario Holzner has been among those suggesting to use much of the new funds to develop European public goods, including a transnational high speed rail network to improve EU connectivity, strengthen European identity and, at the same time, make the EU Green Deal a reality.
Professor Bea Cantillon and Dr David Rinaldi exchange on the massive social consequences of the pandemic and how that requires stepping up the ambitions for a more social Europe. They reflect on the alarming inequalities that are affecting vulnerable groups in Europe and conclude that the political momentum witnessed at the Porto Summit must be transformed into tangible changes of the policy mix so that social outcomes become more central in European and national policy making.
Pierre-Emmanuel Guigo, Associate Professor Paris-Est Créteil, and László Andor, Secretary General of FEPS, analyse the figure of François Mitterrand on the 40th anniversary of his first electoral victory. They discuss how the energy of the 1968 movement contributed to a more progressive France and to the renovation of Parti Socialiste putting the focus on new topics like self-management, climate change and gender equality. All these changes contributed to Mitterrand’s victory one decade later. Prof. Guigo also highlights the main achievements of Mitterrand during the 14 years while he was in office (likely to be an unbreakable record in French history), including the abolition of the death penalty, and the improvement of workers’ rights. Much of the conversation covers the creation of the European Single Market and Single Currency, which also should be seen as key items of Mitterrand’s political legacy. Together with Jacques Delors, he was committed to build a strong European Union, and gave a constructive reaction to the fall of the Berlin Wall. His flight to Sarajevo in 1992 on the other hand warned that ending all wars in Europe was still in some distance.
Just a few moments ahead of the Social Summit in Porto and long-awaited launch of the Conference of the Future of Europe, Ana Paula Zacarias, State Secretary for Europe in Portugal shares in a conversation with Dr. Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training the insights of the Presidency’s strategy on how to get things done. Being humble, respecting and listening to others, while remaining constructive and setting the bar of ambition high - is how to make this super-weekend not about a quick fix, but about a promise of a better future for all.
Czech Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Jana Maláčová, and FEPS Secretary General László Andor exchange views about their expectations concerning the forthcoming Social Summit in Porto. They look back and assess the effectiveness of the social policy measures implemented by the Czech government during the COVID 19 pandemic: the so-called “antivirus programme”, financed in part by the EU, and the various subsidies to families, triggered by the closure of schools and kindergartens during the lockdowns. While keeping unemployment at a very low level, the Czech government also ensured that application for various benefits, including the unemployment benefit became easier during the pandemic, thanks to a digitalisation campaign. The minister makes the case for EU minimum wage coordination, and attributes great importance to re skilling to facilitate long-term economic convergence.
Professor Stephany Griffith-Jones, IPD Columbia University, and Dr David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policy, exchange on the need of investment to deliver on structural transformation and the recovery. Professor Griffith-Jones reflects on the role of the European Investment Bank as well as on that of national development banks. A specific call is made to complete the transformation of the EIB into a really climate friendly bank able to accelerate the development of sustainable finance. In these crucial times, the role of public sector investment is not only relevant for long-term investment; Europe needs a revision of its countercyclical policies able to stabilise the economy.
Ambassador Derek Mitchell, President of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and former US Ambassador to Myanmar, joins Vassilis Ntousas, Senior International Relations Policy Advisor at FEPS, for an episode exploring the recent coup in Myanmar, its geopolitical underpinnings and repercussions and the links between what is happening in the country and the democratic backsliding observed elsewhere in the region and the world.
Katerina Barley, Vice-President of the EP and a prominent progressive fighter for democracy, rule of law and equal rights is the special guest of this #FEPSTalks, discussing with Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training what can be expected in the months to come following: introduction of conditionality mechanism and the Commission Annual Report on Human Rights, the EP actions in solidarity with women protesting in Poland and LGBTQI community, as also in the aftermath of political changes with Fidesz leaving EPP. Don’t miss the episode and hear her the expectations are regarding Slovenian Presidency and the upcoming German elections, as also find out how you can personally get involved in a strive for democracy.
This podcast focuses on a decision affecting thousands of women’s lives. More precisely, the Turkish government announced its withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combatting violence against women and domestic violence, commonly known as the “Istanbul Convention”. In this context, Aslihan Tekin (EU Representative of the European Women’s Lobby Coordination for Turkey and Women’s Coalition Turkey) exchanges with Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Gender Equality Policy Advisor) to provide a better grasp and insider perspective of the cause and consequences of this dramatic decision highlighting how, more than ever, the private is political!
Jacinda Ardern has become a symbol of progressive renewal; a Prime Minister able to unite the country in toughest times; and a leader, whom people admire and feel understood by. But what was the Party that she leads path to power? What made it note a landslide victory last year? What challenges does it face today? Find out – tuning in to a unique conversation between Professor Grant Duncan of Massey University in Auckland and Dr. Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training
Nadia Calviño, Vice President of the Spanish Government and Minister for Economy and Digitalisation, and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, analyse in this podcast episode the Spanish recovery plan in a European context. The Spanish economy is one of the hardest hit in Europe by the #COVID-19 crisis, mainly due to its dependence on sectors like tourism and hospitality. From the first days of the crisis one year ago, the Spanish government embarked on a strategy to mitigate the economic consequences and to establish a social safety net to avoid a rise of unemployment and poverty comparable to the previous one. Calviño and Andor agree that this time Europe has provided a timely and robust response, with better coordination through the whole EU, which makes this crisis different to the last one. Looking to the future, the Vice-President explains the need to adapt the Spanish economy to four progressive pillars: digital transformation, green transition, social and territorial cohesion and gender equality. She also opines that the EU’s SURE instrument is just a start, to be followed by genuine re-insurance of unemployment benefit schemes.
It’s been more than 25 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration, the most visionary and progressive blueprint for women’s rights. And yet the fight for gender justice is far from over! Just a few days after the 8th of March IWD mobilisations and ahead of the 65th UN Commissions on the Status of Women (CSW65), this podcast features Asa Regner (Assistant Secretary General & Deputy Executive Director of UN Women) who engages with Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Gender Equality Policy Advisor) on the key gender equality achievements and remaining challenges from a global perspective.
Tune in for an amazing intellectual journey with Enrique Baron Crespo, President of the FEPS Scientific Council and Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training! We are travelling back in time look at the legacy of 5 Treaties, an EU Charter, 2 Conventions and countless negotiations – and see, what defining elements are already are on the debating table ahead of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Professor Anke Hassel speaks to László Andor about a new book she co-edited with Bruno Palier entitled "Growth and Welfare in Advanced Capitalist Economies. How Have Growth Regimes Evolved?” The book offers an opportunity to analyse the interaction between growth strategies and social policies, both from an academic perspective but also applied to European policy. Prof. Hassel elaborates on the controversies around the crisis response at the time of the latest (eurozone debt) crisis but also explains how the current responses to the pandemic differ (EU support to Kurzarbeit, reinforced youth guarantee etc.). The Covid-19 crisis offers a new opportunity to reshape European growth regimes towards climate sustainability and taking advantage of digital technology. But Germany itself also needs to revamp its growth regime towards higher social standards and more public investment, for which Prof. Hassel and Secretary General Andor argue forcefully in their conversation.
Patrick Diamond, associate professor of public policy Queen Mary’s university of London, and Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training, go through the Labor Party’s history, which provides an incredibly stimulating material for discussions. Tune in, to find out about party’s difficult 70s and 80s, the Third Way experience and the last decade – which chapters and lessons that can be drown from them are explained in a very invigorating way by Patrick Diamond, author of a new book “The British Labour Party in Opposition and Power in 1979 – 2019”
Xavier Prat-Monné, Special Advisor at Teach for all and at the Open University of Catalonia, former EC Director General for Education and Culture, discusses with Dr. David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policies, how the pandemic and other societal transformations are impacting the way we understand and organise education. A crucial point is to rethink education to really contribute to curb inequalities and open up opportunities for all starting from the early years; secondly, the vertical approach to tertiary education is questioned as the labour market of the present and future require more horizontal competencies and curricula. Lastly, Prat Monné and Rinaldi also analyse how the EU and national governments should work towards the establishment of a concrete European right to quality life-long education.
Belén Barreiro, CEO of 40dB and Maria Freitas, FEPS Senior Policy Advisor discuss the multidimensional aspects as how the current health crisis is affecting the experiences of young people. Belén and Maria also discuss how the Millennial generation that already faced with the effects of the 2008 economic crisis at their emancipation age are now again bearing the burden of a new recession, just at a time when this generation was sensing a greater material stability. Belén and Maria conclude that for Millennials, experiencing two different crisis in such a short period of time is having a huge impact on young people’s lives, thoughts, actions and behaviours. The insights shared during this conversation are based on a survey powered by FEPS and Felipe Gonzalez Foundation which will be unveiled via an online conference on the 22nd February 2021.
EU guarantees every employee a right to 11 hours undisturbed rest. But how can it be ensured, when more than 1/3 works remotely, and there is an unspoken expectation in many companies that everyone remains reachable all the time? Who should be in charge of making sure that each person should close a computer at the end of the contractually agreed working time and truly disconnect? How are those issues connected with new kind of empowerment of employees and for preserving productivity levels? Find out, listening to the new episode of FEPSTalks, which features Alex Agius Saliba, MEP from Malta and author of the recently voted EP report on the matter, in a conversation with Dr. Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training.
Michaela Kauer, Director of the Brussels Office of the City of Vienna and Co-coordinator of EU Urban Agenda Housing Partnership, joins David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies & Policy, in this episode of the FEPS Talks podcast series to speak about housing policy and how the EU can help improving living conditions. The quality of the dwellings and the neighborhoods we live in are an fundamental part of our wellbeing; the COVID-19 pandemic has made it overwhelmingly clear. How should progressives protect the right to a decent housing? How can the European Union help making houses more affordable and sustainable, even if this is not exactly its competence? Can we think about a European right to decent housing for all? Kauer and Rinaldi debate about these issues and analyse best practices and examples of strong interventions by local and national governments during the pandemic when it comes to protect people in their homes.
Professor Bo Rothstein, August Röhss Chair in Political Science at the University of Gothenburg, joins Vassilis Ntousas, Senior International Relations Policy Advisor at FEPS, for an episode with a special focus on American democracy, the drivers behind the tragic events on the US Capitol Hill, and the opportunity this moment presents both for the US and Europe.
This podcast addresses the gender digital gaps and the extra challenges the online sphere poses to women and girls. Our guest speaker Dr. Lilia Giugni (researcher at the University of Cambridge, intersectional feminist activist and CEO of GenPol) discusses with Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Gender Equality Policy Advisor) about the causes and consequences of female underrepresentation in STEM fields but also about how online violence disproportionally affects women and girls whilst evoking possible policy answers in the face of the ever more digitalisation of our lives.
László Andor and Mikael Leyi, Secretary Generals (respectively) of FEPS and Solidar, analyse in the last FEPS Talk podcast episode of 2020 the lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the different policy measures at European and national levels. What role social democrats have played to foster solidarity? Did policy makers listen to civil society before taking important decisions? They look back to key moments of 2020 like the budget negotiations or the discussion about an EU minimum wage. However, this is also an opportunity to look ahead. Andor and Leyi make their predictions for 2021, also in view of some political highlights: the social agenda of the Portuguese presidency of the Council and the Conference on the Future of Europe. Tune in and listen why social democrat policies will be crucial next year!
Rosa Balfour, Director of Carnegie Europe, joins Vassilis Ntousas, Senior International Relations Policy Advisor at FEPS, for an episode with a special focus on the EU’s global role and engagement, in light of the year that is coming to an end, and in expectation of the year that is in front of us. What were the highs and lows of 2020 for the world and the EU? What lessons can we learn from this eventful year and where should Europe’s focus be regarding 2021?
FEPS Talks featuring Professor Marek Belka, MEP and Vice-President of the S&D Group in a conversation with Dr. Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training. The announcement of the Future of Europe Conference geared a lot of enthusiasm, followed by many questions with the main one being: when would it start? While replies are pending, the Socialists and Democrats are getting ready to face the historical challenge, being the most consolidated political family on the issue. They have clear priorities and they want to makes sure that it is going to be about those issues that matters to citizens the most. What are those? What is the progressive strategy to build majority among them? How do they hope to overcome institutional tensions and national divides? To find out – listing to this incredibly insightful episode.
Professor Vivien Schmidt, Jean Monnet Chair of European Integration at Boston University exchanges with Dr. David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies & Policy on the comparison between the financial crisis and the current health crisis. Particularly, they reflect on the democratic process of EU decision-making and its legitimacy, with some insights from the latest book by Prof. Schmidt on "Europe's crisis of Legitimacy - Governing by Rules and Ruling by Numbers in the Eurozone". She stresses that the EU appears to have learned the lesson and is no longer responding more rapidly but also with higher legitimacy, though she suggests that there's still much to improve on the 'input legitimacy' for this recovery. A Grand Monetary Dialogue and a participatory process for the European Semester, both involving civil society and social partners, are needed if Europe wants to secure legitimacy of its actions.
Why is it that alongside the rise of antitrust in the past decades, we seen an equal rise in market concentration across the economy? Justin Nogarede, FEPS Digital Policy Adviser, and Michelle Meagher, competition lawyer and author of "Competition is Killing Us: How Big Business is Harming Our Society and Planet", explore this apparent paradox. Having looked at competition policy from a regulator’s perspective, as an academic, and a legal practitioner, she has some unique insights to share. The discussion starts with themes from her book, in which she challenges the centrality of competition in our discourse, and suggests antitrust should focus more on concrete questions of power and how to distribute it. Then the conversation shifts to the digital economy, ways to constrain the power of big tech, and the upcoming regulatory proposals and actions in the EU and US to do exactly that.
On the occasion of the international day for the elimination of violence against women on 25 November and as a contribution the UN 16 days of activism against gender-based violence under the global theme “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”, Pirkko Mahlamäki (European Women’s Lobby Executive Committee member, secretary general of the Finnish Disability Forum and Executive Committee Member o thef European Disability Forum) and Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Gender Equality Policy Advisor) exchange on this crucial issue exploring its true gravity and possible policy actions to put an end to this scourge from an intersectional perspective.
Professor Stephen Walt from the Harvard Kennedy School joins Vassilis Ntousas, Senior Policy Advisor at FEPS, for a timely discussion on U.S. foreign policy post-2020. What will be the impact of president Trump’s continuing refusal to concede that he lost the election on America’s international engagement and how are the domestic institutional arrangements going to affect the global agenda of the Biden administration? What should substantiate a new U.S. approach vis-à-vis China and what is the new White House expected to do in terms of the multilateral system? What can we expect from U.S. engagement with Europe in the future and what would this mean for the EU’s increasing willingness to take greater care of its own security?
Mara Oldenburg, Board Member of Germany’s Youth Participation Resource Centre and Maria Freitas, FEPS Senior Policy Advisor who discuss the merits and opportunities of implementing vote at 16 so as to meaningfully include young people in democratic processes.
Both experts also discuss the power of effective civic education and how it can have an long term effect in sparking political engagement among youth. Vote @ 16 has proved to have an undeniably positive impact on youth political engagement. Austria, Malta and most recently Belgium having introduced Vote @ 16 are a testament to this – question is: are other nations ready? Is there a political will in Germany to empower youth ahead of the national elections in 2021? Will there be a political momentum to see Vote @ 16 at the next European elections?
Esther Lynch (Deputy Secretary General, European Trade Union Confederation) and Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Gender Equality Policy Adviser) take a closer look at equal pay from an EU perspective on the occasion of EU Equal Pay Day, on the 4th of November 2020. What is it still so urgent to address the gender pay gaps in the EU in 2020? What are the direct and indirect forms of discriminations fuelling persisting gender inequalities? What are the trade union’s expectations from the EU when it comes to delivering on their gender equality objectives? What are the concrete benefits of pay transparency measures? These are some of the key questions explored in this exchange. Both experts stress the need to ensure political commitment to finally acknowledge the real value of women’s work laid bare in the wake of COVID-19.
Dr. Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bak, Polish MP "Left Coalition" Group, and Dr. Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Reasearch and Training, analyse the current situation in Poland. Thousands of people of all ages march the streets of Polish cities, towns and villages. They took to the streets, after the governing party Law and Justice politically controlled Constitutional Tribunal - for which the EU launched infringement procedures - and ruled to further restrict the already oppressive abortion law. The government calls the protests disrespectful to democratic decision making; the protesters are demanding the governing party to leave altogether. The tensions keep raising, with 30 October set to be the date for the “battle for the capital”. In #FEPS Talks we are asking Dr. Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bak MP why this protest is unlike any previous one, and what the European Progressives can do - beyond showing solidarity - to help.
Seth Harris, acting Secretary of Labor in the administration of Barack Obama, and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General analyse in this podcast episode how US faced the unprecedent challenge of the Covid-19 crisis. Harris defines the most immediate answer as rapid and innovative, thanks to the Democrats in the Congress rather than to President Trump. They increased unemployment benefits and the eligibility to them. However the funds are about to run out, while Republicans are proposing austerity measures. The progressive vision is represented by Democrats who advocate public investment, and a concept of inclusive economic growth. The episode also focuses on the current state of US healthcare system, the important legacy of Obamacare, and the need for further reforms in the health (and pharmaceutical) sector. It is indeed a crucial question whether it is possible to get closer to universal health coverage in the US. The conversation ends with highlighting the potential of multilateral governance for health and employment, while stressing the need for a balanced approach, in order to avoid the dominance of trade policies that would result in reducing the protection of American workers.
The issue of care has gained much attention lately. But what do we really mean when we talk about “care”? Why is it still so undervalued in spite of its vital role? What are the main challenges faced by care workers? How does care interact with gender inequalities and what are progressive answers to overcome those inequalities? The report “Cherishing All Equally 2020: inequality and the care economy” report just published by FEPS (Foundation of European Progressive Studies) and TASC (Think-tank for action on social change) sheds some light on these timely questions. On this occasion, Mari Huupponen from Finland (Public Health Scientist and researcher at Kommunal, the Swedish largest trade union in Sweden) joined this FEPS Talks podcast to exchange on some of the main findings of the report with Laeticia Thissen, FEPS Gender Equality Policy Advisor.
Elisabetta Gualmini, S&D member of the European Parliament and Professor of Bologna University, and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, discuss in this FEPS Talks podcast episode the chance of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to be adopted in time. They also analyse the nature and the implementation of the Recovery Plan, from the perspective of progressive requirements. As member of the EP Committee on Budgets, Gualmini highlights the importance of innovation in the area of own resources. She clarifies that this is not about taxing the citizens but the big companies and multinationals with a new type of taxation like the digital or the carbon tax. Gualmini and Andor agree on the need to bring back to the table the Financial Transaction Tax and they also highlight the innovative aspects of Next Generation EU like the common debt and the grants (even if there is still no clarity about some aspects like the loan repayment). Finally, they extend the discussion to rule of law conditionality and the job creation potential of EU budget instruments.
Professor Enrico Giovannini, former Italian Minister of Labour and Social Policies, is the special guest of the 50th edition of FEPS Talks. Secretary General László Andor interviews him during an online festival that commemorated the 5th anniversary of the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals. They elaborate on the complex meaning of sustainability and well-being, and debate about how the European Union can improve its strategies, and for that to apply some best practices of Italy regarding sustainability and the ecological transition in particular. Professor Giovannini argues that in the midst of the current COVID-19 crisis we are facing a high risk of not achieving a just transition. We need a recovery strategy with employment, the eradication of poverty and the implementation of the Social Pillar at its heart, if we want to make the economic system more ambitious in reducing emission and other targets related to sustainability. He also explains why the first attempt to implement the Youth Guarantee could not be successful in Italy, but this policy is as important today as before. This initiative and similar ones are vital to ensure social cohesion but also political stability the EU and especially Italy.
Europe is a united continent despite its differences; some of the EU member states are about the better performing countries in terms of equality, others aren’t. Professor Dorling observes that economic prosperity is actually higher in countries that are more equal, empirical evidence is clear on the matter. Then, why we still think that big differences in wages are needed to ensure high productivity?
The podcast episode also presents some of the results of the FEPS & TASC report on “Inequality and the Top 10% in Europe” that highlights how most top earners do not think of themselves as rich or affluent and have rather progressive values. Lastly, the talk focuses on the role that the public sector can play, via redistribution, wage control and public services, to ensure a more equal and sustainable income distribution.
Ahead of the United Nations General Assembly and on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the UN, Salma Bava, Professor and Jean Monnet Chair, Centre for European Studies, at J. Nehru University in New Delhi, and Hedwig Giusto, FEPS Senior Policy Advisor and editor-in-chief of the Progressive Post, discuss of the urgent need to reform an increasingly weakened multilateral system. The Covid-19 crisis has exposed even more the shortcoming of a system, built on the wake of the second world war, which is no longer capable to cope with increasingly pressing challenges. But the pandemic has also clearly shown to what extent common challenges, that do not know borders or passports, need common answers by the international community. Against this background, fairness and inclusiveness should be two of the main features that a new multilateral system should have.
Francesca Bria, President of the Italian National Innovation Fund is the guest of this #FEPSTalks episode presented by Justin Nogarede, FEPS Digital Policy Advisor. We look at how the corona-crisis has changed the discussion around digital technology, and of course, we ask her views on the EU digital policy agenda. Given our dependency on digital technology, the lack of democratic control over digital infrastructure, and increasing technological competition between the US and China, how should the EU position itself? For Francesca Bria, the answer is an EU Digital Green Deal. If you want to find out what that means, listen in!
It’s been 20 long days since the Presidential elections in Belarus. Their announced outcome, giving a landslide victory to the President Lukaszenko, prompted protests across the country. Thousands and thousands join in, standing up for freedom, democracy and justice. At the forefront are women, workers and young people - who want a different future for their country. Their determination is a key to perseverance of the mobilisation, whilst they are faced with brutality, intimidation and possible arrests. These developments put a sparkle, which set on a spotlight on a country that especially for the EU has not been in the focus for a very long time. A challenge on how to react, what to aim for and with whom on the global level is the subject of this episode of FEPS Talks, which features President Aleksander Kwasniewski. In the interview with Dr Ania Skrzypek, he offers his assessment, several insight and precious advice - also as a former mediator in the Ukrainian conflict in 2004.
Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, former President of Malta and current President of Eurochild, is the guest of this FEPS Talks podcast episode conducted by FEPS Secretary General László Andor. The main topic of the conversation is the one she has committed to during her entire political life: how to tackle child poverty. The problem is not new, but it has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 outbreak in most EU countries. This makes the EU Child Guarantee a very timely initiative, and an instrument that could effectively promote equal opportunities among children, especially if framed in a social investment approach. With the same purpose, President Coleiro highlights the importance the FEPS initiative “Towards a Child Union” which advocates high quality and inclusive early child care and education. She also remarks the negative effects of the COVID-19 outbreak in education due to the digital divide, which threatens the young generation. In the moths of the lockdown, many children did not have access to the online courses, and children with disabilities could most easily be left behind. An effective Child Guarantee needs adequate funding from the European Social Fund, and it would also benefit from the EU setting targets for the member states for poverty reduction, just like under the Europe 2020 strategy.
Matteo de Bellis, researcher at International Amnesty, discusses with Hedwig Giusto, FEPS Policy Advisor on Migration the current situation for migrants and refugees in Libya and along the Central Mediterranean route, as well as the effects that the COVID19 pandemic had on them.
Both experts also analyse how Libya became the receiving country of migrants and refugees during the Gaddafi era and the current relationship with the European Union in terms of migration. De Bellis denounces the situation and the disgraceful conditions of the detention centres in this country.
The International Amnesty researcher asks for a European Commission that is “a little bit more forceful in highlighting the need of respecting international law, not just in in grand statements but also in practice”. He demands that the new Pact for Migration and Asylum, to be released soon, emphasise the need “to protect the rights of refugees and migrants and to build an asylum system that works for the States but also for the asylum seekers”.
László Andor, FEPS Secretary General invited Professor Gustav Horn (member of FEPS Scientific Council as well as the Federal Board of the German SPD, former director of IMK) to discuss the recent shift in the German economic policy paradigm. The key question is how the German doctrine differs in this crisis as compared to previous one. What generates this change, and what else we might expect beyond facilitating a new model EU budget for the post-pandemic recovery. Prof. Horn highlights the importance of the paradigm shift within the Social Democratic family itself, adding that his own thoughts have also evolved in the last 20-25 years. Andor and Horn agree that the sustainability of the current shift partly depends on the attitude of the young generation, which has already produced an important movement for more pluralistic economics (within academia and policy). During its Council presidency, it is worth adding that a better balanced economic philosophy helps Germany achieving a unifying role in the EU.
Dr. Lina Gálvez Muñoz (MEP, S&D, Spain) offers her viewpoints from a feminist economics perspective in an exchange with Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Gender Equality Policy Adviser) in the backdrop of the global public attention attracted by female leaders’ role in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying key issues ranging from the importance of gender-disaggregated data to the lack of gender budgeting, she namely highlights need to empower more female progressive leaders to enable the emergence of a new narrative, which would pave the way for a radical economic paradigm shift whereby care holds a central place enabling women and men alike to thrive in a society that nurtures their well-being and their environment.
With the ongoing European Council in the background (podcast recorded on the 17th July 2020), Tomáš Petříček, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training, discuss the perspective for Europe, looking at the two-folded path to recovery. Their exchange touches upon existing hurdles, taking the audience to the kitchen of the negotiations - whereby the position of Czech Government especially regarding the Next Generation EU, MFF and Future of Europe conference is being explained. Tune in and don’t miss the grand finale of the talk, during which the Minister shares his view on what the Progressives should do facing globalisation in its current disguise.
Dr. Daphne Halikiopoulou, Associate Professor at the at the University of Reading, and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, analyse the results of the latest Populism Tracker published by FEPS and Policy Solutions. They consider “ups and downs” as the main trend of recent years, and warn against using the term “populist’ as an umbrella for all the anti-establishment political parties. This is not only about the distinction between Far Right and Radical Left. There are interesting regional patterns, like welfare chauvinism in the richer, mainly more Northern countries. Dr. Halikiopoulou also clarifies the difference between the Ethnic Far Right based on the concept of race, and the Nationalistic Radical Right, which often try to legitimise themselves as guardians of democracy rejecting any kind of immigration or cultural difference. Halikiopoulou and Andor elaborate on the responsibility of mainstream parties, especially when the Far Right manages to exploit the economic anxiety of the population when talking about migration. They conclude that even if much of the concerns populists are appealing to are absolutely real, the progressive answer from the centre-left has to be original, and not an imitation of the extremists.
This episode of FEPS Talks, featuring Kaisa Vatanen, Director of Kalevi Sorsa Foundation and Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training, will take you to Finland - a country, where governing social democracy and its leader, “millennial” prime minister Sanna Marin, pioneer ways to modernise politics. So tune in to find out first hand information from a co-chair of the drafting committee about SDP (Social Democratic Party of Finland) experience when it comes to crossing over historical junction and equipping party with a new declaration of principles and political programme. And find out what meaning and ambition they gave to core objectives: achieving social justice, expanding welfare state and attaining to sustainable development goals.
Dr. Maria Herczog, senior policy analyst at Institute for Human Services, Columbus, Ohio, and chair of the Family, Child, Youth Association in Budapest, Hungary, and Dr. David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policies, discuss about the need of improvement of the European early childcare services, especially after the social and economic effects of the COVID19 pandemic. These services are fundamental to reduce inequalities in early ages and grow motivated and resilient children. Dr Herczog stresses that services should adapt flexibly to the need of the families and be integrated with other welfare provision. This FEPS Talks also looks at the role that the EU can play and share hopes for the upcoming Child Guarantee initiative. The host and the special guest also invite EU institutions to take a more convincing standing in the protection of children from vulnerable households, such as Roma and migrants.
FEPS Secretary General László Andor speaks with Prof. James K. Galbraith (University of Texas at Austin). They discuss the extraordinary economic crisis of 2020: how it compares to the previous Great Recession, and where a comparative assessment of the US and EU experiences of crisis response would lead to. Have politicians learned anything from the previous crises and the consequences of those? Is there a connection between the COVID-19 recession and the new wave of protest movements against racism and police brutality in the United States? Prof. Galbraith clarifies whether there is a link between Donald Trump and the current wave of anti-racist demonstrations, provides a succinct description of the emerging Democratic campaign and also elaborates on the meaning of progressive reform in the US.
A conversation between Professors Kate Picket and Richard Wilkinson and Dr. David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policy. The epidemiologists and political activists, authors of “The Spirit Level" and "The Inner Level" explain why more equality delivers healthier societies. The COVID19 pandemic shows how inequalities have a direct effect on health outcomes as the vulnerable are mostly affected. They warn about other kinds of pandemics that needs a strong policy response: pollution, obesity, global warming, discrimination. To tackle these problems grassroots movements and citizens' mobilisation are needed. There are some proposals on the table that need to be pushed through; from a universal basic income, to a relaunch of public services, job guarantees, etc. Kate and Richard also reflect on the legitimacy of state intervention, which in these times of crisis, expanded to limit some basic freedoms. How to ensure that the public sector steps in for the public good and not with illiberal manners?
Building on the FEPS Call to Europe annual conference taking place on 10-11th June 2020 on climate justice and gender equality, this podcast takes a closer look at female employment and its main challenges in relation to gender equality. In an exchange between Alicia Homs (S&D Member of the European Parliament & Young European Socialists President, Spain) and Laeticia Thissen, FEPS Gender Equality Policy Advisor, this podcast explores in more details how the coronavirus outbreak exacerbates existing inequalities for women in the area of work from an intersectional perspective whilst discussing progressive answers to ensure a gender lens across policy action.
Luc Bas, director of European Regional Office, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and Charlotte Billingham, FEPS Senior Policy Advisor debate about the EU biodiversity strategy in the framework of the World Environment Day (5th June 2020)
Luc shares his thoughts with us on the effects of lockdown on the environment and the EU biodiversity and ‘farm-to-fork’ strategies which were recently launched as part of the European Green Deal. Making the case for nature-based solutions and ultimately redistribution as the underlying factor in seeking more equal and sustainable societies in a post COVID era.
Simon Hix, Professor and Vice-President of the London School of Economics joins Dr Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training today in the FEPSTalks studio debate about the past, present and the future of social democracy. Their vibrant exchange takes the audience in just 15 minutes through a centurial history of the center left, which in his new paper Professor Hix divides into three subsequent chapters and which he together with his colleagues analysed through a prism of almost 600 elections in 31 countries. Their findings shed light on why and when social democrats raise to a position of the first political force; what it has to do with public sector and redistributive politics; as also why the plea of “moving to the left” has proven not to be the panacea. To find out more, just click the link and find out what it all means in terms of the ideological and strategic choices Progressives should make today both when it come to the respective national, as also European and local levels!
Anton Rop, former Prime Minister of Slovenia and former Vice President of the EIB discusses with David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policy, about the economic and financial difficulties that the pandemic has brought about across Europe. Mr Rop is worried that in the absence of a strong European intervention to relaunch the economies of the countries most affected by the health crisis, convergence in Europe will seriously be at risk; with potentially negative effects on integration and inequality. The assessment of some of the measures so far taken, such as the SURE, is positive but the former Slovenian Prime Minister points out that a far more ambitious recovery plan is needed, with a strong Green Deal and the full involvement of the EIB investment firepower. Specifically, in order to overcome the political impasse around debt mutualisation, he suggests scaling up the project-bonds engineering that has already been used for infrastructure investment.
The conversation kicks off with the debate around apps, surveillance and the corona-virus. What does this say about the broader discussion in Europe about digital technology? Then the discussion explores themes from Ivana Bartoletti’s new book “An Artificial Revolution: On Power, Politics, and AI.” Why is the collection of a data a political act? To manage the consequences of AI, why is not enough to talk about ethics and bias? And what do nuclear power and AI have in common…? Tune in to find out.
Massimiliano Mascherini, Head of the Social Policy unit in Eurofound, analyses the results of the fresh research of the agency in a conversation with FEPS Secretary General László Andor. Eurofound just published the document “Living, working and COVID-19” that reflects the most immediate economic and social effects of the crisis:
The findings are devastating as they show the rapidly increasing levels of unemployment and risk of poverty in only six weeks and they preview that the impact of the outbreak will be even harder in the near future.
Once more, young people are more touched by the consequences and they are those who suffer more depression and loneliness. Southern Europeans have clearly felt the lack of E.U. solidarity, while it is the East where citizens have the lowest level of trust in their health systems.
The social consequences are already asymmetric and Mascherini affirms that the project of the European Union will only survive if citizens feel reassured by social protection, and if the EU can promote social investment and solidarity among member states.
Gaby Bischoff, S&D MEP and Member of the European Parliament’s Future of Europe Working Group, exchanges views with Maria Freitas, FEPS Senior Policy Advisor, on how the Future of Europe conference can pave way for a truly participatory and inclusive platform to discuss Europe’s future direction. The global health crisis in turn offers an unprecedented opportunity for Europe to think outside of the box and act by responding to citizens expectations.
Dr. Krzysztof Smiszek, Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Group of the Left in Poland and Dr. Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training feature in this new exciting episode of the FEPS Talk to bring forward some insights regarding the worrying situation in Poland. The conversation is a journey, which begins with a throwback at the impressive return of the progressives into the parliament and leads through diverse battlefields marked by attacks that the Polish governing forces launch on democracy and rule of law. The list of these is long, spanning from undermining of the judicial system and diminishing freedom of press to restricting law on abortion or abolition of sexual education. What makes the counteractions hard is that in pursuit of a different Poland the governing forces do not hesitate to use the context of the pandemic. For example, the proposals of some outrageous bills are discussed, when manifestations are forbidden and when people’s minds are focused on issues such as jobs, healthcare and social security. And there is no limit to their coarseness. Whilst the presidential elections are in just two weeks’ time, all but one, presidential candidates are in lockdown, which prevents them from running any campaigns. The only one that can and does, is the seated President.
Where Smiszek, MP sees a hope is the renewed character of the parliamentary left, which is strongly embedded in the civil society and for which it is natural to lead the charge both in Sejm (lower chamber) and on the streets. Consequently, he is positive that there is an intellectual ferment and a will to resist among the people. So many of them are in their heart pro-European, which is also why it is important that Progressives from Poland and from across the EU remain united, that they carry on making the pro-EU arguments showing that the Union is the community Poland belongs to and can count on. To that end, being only yesterday in Biebrza National Park of which swamps are on fire – Smiszek is convinced that the political turning tides will also see Poland committing to the full extent to the European Green Deal.
In this FEPS Talks episode, Dr. Barbara Helfferich and Laeticia Thissen (FEPS Policy Adviser on Gender Equality and Women’s Rights) exchange their views on the gender dimensions of COVID19, its consequences for gender (in)equality and women’s rights and the role of women in rebuilding our societies. Why may the coronavirus fallout be worse for women than for men? How does the coronavirus affect the already challenging work life balance? What are the indirect COVID19 casualties due to women being locked at home with their abuser? And what will be the role of women in the reconstruction of a strong, united Europe after the crisis? Listen to this episode to find more answers on how to secure a fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable feminist Europe by bringing out the true potential of women and acknowledging their essential role in the functioning of the society as a whole.
Javi López, MEP and Chair of PES Environment, Climate Change & Energy Network and Charlotte Billingham, FEPS Senior Policy Advisor, discuss in this FEPS Talks episode about the socio economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the heightened need for the climate law to ensure long-term goals are achieved nevertheless. They debate on how the European Union needs to ensure it plays its role of political union in these times when solidarity is most needed.
Kata Tüttő, Deputy Lord Mayor of Budapest, and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General discuss the responsibilities of municipalities at the time of the COVID-19 crisis. Budapest elected a progressive government last October, which immediately announced climate emergency, relaunched social dialogue and decided upon wage increases for public employees. Today Kata Tüttő is in charge of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Hungarian capital where she is making sure that citizens and employees feel protected and they can rely on quality public services.The coronavirus crisis is a formidable challenge, not least because Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is using the health emergency for another power grab. How the European Union should act in this new chapter of the Hungarian Rule of Law crisis? Could the EU provide funds directly to municipalities? Can the leadership of the city maintain the long-term climate agenda while fighting for the health and safety of its citizens?
In this FEPS Talks, Professor Sacha Garben and Dr. David Rinaldi discuss how the social policies of the EU can develop in response to the COVID19 pandemic. In aftermath of the financial crisis the dominant neoliberal paradigm sacrificed welfare and wellbeing over the sustainability of public finance; how to ensure that the winning ideas and policy response are based on a people-first approach? The European Commission had tabled some important measures with a seizable social impact: an EU-wide minimum wage and a European unemployment reinsurance scheme: what is politically feasible in this domain? Professor Garben explains that despite the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU is not yet equipped with the legal means to protect EU workers, particularly those working with atypical contracts and she advances some suggestions to address this. In this global health crisis, can EU policy-makers recognise the need for deeper solidarity and for a Union that put social outcomes and wellbeing first?
Catherine Woollard, ECRE Secretary General, and Hedwig Giusto, FEPS Senior Policy Advisor, analyse the current emergency in the Turkish-Greek border while the worldwide attention is focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. On one hand they condemn President Erdogan's attempt to use asylum seekers as pawns to achieve his geopolitical goals, on the other they recognise that Turkey has received and is hosting a mach larger number of refugees than the EU has done. Both experts agree on the need and urgency of a EU common answer and of the reform of the current EU asylum system. Meanwhile the relocation scheme should be reinforced in order to alleviate the pressure in the Aegean islands.
Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the British Trades Union Congress (TUC), and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, analyse in this FEPS Talks episode the meaning of the working class today. They rebut the notion which was widespread after the December elections in the UK that the working class as such turned anti-European and became a supporter of the Tories. Stereotypes and simplifications should be avoided not least because the composition and consciousness of the working class has changed in the past centuries, but also in the last decades, and if it is used, this term should not be reduced to active or retired blue-collar workers in depressed regions. On the other hand, it is true that a lot of British workers would have preferred to see a more social European Union. And in order to ensure more workers in other countries do not get disaffected with EU integration, investment policies like the Green Deal and more social rights should be promoted. O’Grady elaborates on the UK experience with a minimum wage, and the expected effects of Brexit on working conditions. She opposes the idea of “socialism in one country”, and stresses that workers have to show solidarity across borders because capitalism is international. Trade unions and progressive political forces have to push jointly for decent jobs in the 21st century.
Dagmar Schumacher, UN Women Brussels Director, joins Laeticia Thissen, FEPS Gender Policy Advisor, for this episode on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most visionary and progressive roadmap for policy makers and activists to advance women’s rights. Ahead of several key milestones in 2020, this discussion reminds us of the biggest successes of the Beijing Declaration adopted 25 years ago but also of the main remaining gaps and how the global community endeavours to overcome these through concrete action and commitment.
Yaye Helene Ndiaye and Hedwig Giusto analyse the intercontinental and intra-continental African migration and highlight the fact that most international migration in Africa is directed towards African countries. They agree on the need for stronger cooperation between the African Union, the African countries and regional organisations on one hand and the European Union on the other to stop human traffic and smuggling and govern migration. Ndiaye and Giusto discuss the possibility and the need to promote and open new safe and legal migration routes between Africa an Europe. This #FEPSTalks also addresses the gender dimension of migration, as women and children face bigger risk during their journeys to Europe along illegal pathways.
In this episode of #FEPSTalks MEP Paul Tang and Justin Nogarede discuss the paradox of the digital transition. Digital tech can and does offer a lot - think of healthcare. But right now, we also see large concentrations of data and power, and a lack of transparency that facilitates manipulation of citizens. In a year when the EU is defining its digital policy for the years to come, what should progressives aim for? Tune in for a discussion on data, ‘AI’, the role of online platforms, taxation and more!
Vasco Cordeiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores and First Vice-President of the European Committe of the Regions exchanges opinions with Maria Freitas, FEPS Senior Policy Advisor on the potential that Europe’s regions and cities can bring for the European project. Maria and Vasco discuss the ways in which EU regions matter for the unity of the EU as a political project and much more. #FEPSTalks listeners are also invited by Vasco to visit the Azores, one of Europe’s outermost regions for two reasons: because it is a remarkable archipelago of volcanic islands and because it is one of Portugals’ regions where progressive politics are at play!
British Economist Ann Pettifor highlights in this episode of FEPS Talks the importance of a Just Transition. The author of “The case for the Green New Deal’ analyses the role of the states when financing the European Green Deal and explains how the transformation has to be translated into quality jobs. Investment and funds mobilisation are needed to build alternative infrastructures. The transformation should crate new employment that generates incomes and bring tax revenues. She highlights the age aspect: young people are ready to start a new and more sustainable way of life, however power is still in the hands of older generations. Andor and Pettifor also talk about the EU Green Deal proposed by the European Commission: is Europe leading in creating a sustainable economy and how this global role can be retained?
L’eurodéputé Pierre Larrouturou nous alerte sur l’urgence climatique et nous signale qu’il ne reste que peu de temps pour réagir et montrer que l’Europe prend le sujet au sérieux. Que ce soit dans la preparation de la COP26 de Glasgow, dans les negotiations pour le budget de l’Union Européenne, ou bien dans l’architecture du Green Deal européen, l’action progressiste doit être effective dans ces mois à venir. Tous les espoirs des climatologues reposent sur les mouvements de la jeunesse ainsi que sur la nouvelle Commission Européenne d’Ursula von der Leyen. Pour la première fois, un continent entier adopte un discours ambitieux sur le climat. En effet, il ne s’agit pas uniquement de sauver la planète, mais aussi de générer des nouveaux emplois et également d’améliorer la qualité de vie des citoyens. Comme rapporteur du budget 2021 de l’Union Européenne, le premier budget du Green Deal, Larrouturou remarque la nécessité d’investissement et de financement. Enfin, pour réussir, il propose des mesures concrètes comme une banque europeenne pour le climat et une legislation spéciale pour les grandes entreprises et les banques pour assurer leur transition écologique.
Professor Claus Offe is a distinguished social scientist. He has written extensively about the welfare state, and is known as an advocate of the basic income. FEPS Secretary General, László Andor, spoke with him in Berlin about the state of the European Union and in particular the European social model. What the welfare state delivered in the past, and what needs to be done to ensure its viability in the future. He is supportive of the current EU level initiatives like minimum wage coordination and unemployment reinsurance, while also acknowledging the limitations of the EU to influence social policy within the member states.
Leonie Martin, President of the Young European Federalists (JEF) exchanges opinions with Maria Freitas, FEPS Senior Policy Advisor on the potential that lies ahead for EU to be closer to citizens’ expectations and empower their voices in decision-making processes. What are the opportunities and challenges that the Future of Europe conference entails to strengthen European Democracy? Leonie and Maria engage in exploratory conversation of the potential framework and output of the Future of Europe conference. Will this initiative build up momentum for a Treaty change?
This conversation between Gesine Schwan, President of the Fundamental Values Commission of the SPD and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, is a reflection about the state of Europe and social democracy. They agree that Europe has to develop new ways to deal with migration and asylum. Professor Schwan argues that EU level solutions should be based on voluntary basis in this field, reinforcing the sense of liberty, security and justice. EU support should be directly available for municipalities and civil society in order to achieve these goals.
This closer connection between the EU and the citizens is also fundamental for other issues like climate change or labour mobility. EU citizenship can be reinforced by strengthening citizens’ participation in the decision making. From a social democratic point of view, fraternity and solidarity have to be at the core of EU integration.
Vincenzo (Enzo) Amendola, Minister for Europe in Italian Government shares his views about Union's future and the role of Italy in the EU with Dr Ania Skrzypek, FEPS Director for Research and Training. What kind of Europe can make a difference internationally? Which EU can respond to citizens', especially young ones, expectations? What should happen to make EU Green Deal come true? - insightful answers to those and several other pertinent questions are just click away! So join in and listen to our first 2020 FEPS Talks edition.
The approval of the European Pillar of Social Rights was a milestone that reopened the debate about the social dimension of the European Union. This has been a critical development at a time when the EU needs to present itself as a protective force as opposed to a disruptive one, especially when tackling the asymmetries generated by the Economic and Monetary Union.
The conversation covers different angles of the Pillar that are on the agenda of the new EU Commission (unemployment insurance, minimum wage coordination, support to local communities, child guarantee etc.), and the need to strengthen the social dimension of EU citizenship.
MEP Tanja Fajon and FEPS Senior Policy Advisor Hedwig Giusto discuss the rough path towards accession of the Western Balkans countries. After years of widespread lack of interest of the EU member states in the enlargement process, 2018 seemed to mark a turning point for the relations between the EU and the WB countries.
However, last October, when time seemed to be ripe to open negotiations with two countries - Albania and North Macedonia, which have gone a long way to meet the conditions posed by the EU - the French government blocked the whole process, to the surprise of many observers and policymakers. What will happen in 2020? Will the EU finally unblock the deadlock? And what challenges do the EU and the WB will have to face in their path towards a common future?
A conversation between Fabrizio Barca, coordinator of the Forum on Inequalities and Diversity, and Justin Nogarede, Digital Policy Adviser at FEPS. Why do we see different forms of inequality rising? What is the role of digital technology and inequality? And what policies at local, national and EU level can help address this? Listen in to learn more about the solutions proposed by the Forum on Inequalities and Diversity.
Climate emergency is at the top of everyone’s minds lately but particularly the young people, as they have been demonstrating massively in the streets for months now. This week’s FEPS Talks focuses on is what are the hopes and the demands for the COP25. Discussion with Ana Pirtskhalava, Secretary General of IUSY.
Just a few days ahead of the 25th of November marking the international day on the elimination of violence against women, this FEPS Talks addresses the topic of violence against women. In this context, Evelyn Regner, Member of the European Parliament (S&D, Austria) and Chair of the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, in conversation with Laeticia Thissen, FEPS Gender Equality Policy Advisor, discuss the recent FEPS-Fondation Jean Jaurès survey on sexual and sexist violence at work as well as the relevance of addressing gender-based violence at the European Union level.
Read the full survey here: https://www.feps-europe.eu/resources/publications/697-survey-european-observatory-on-sexism-and-sexual-harassment-at-work.html
Rodrigues and Tanden comment the possible scenarios ahead of US 2020 Elections. Neera Tanden analyses the profiles of the different voters, how Trump voters could change their mind regarding 2016 and what are the chances for Democrats to win the elections this time.
Maria João Rodrigues comments on the perspectives from Europe and asks if, in the case of a Democrat victory, the European Union could count with US for a reform of the multilateral system.
Podcast recorded in the framework of 5th FEPS-GMF Annual Conference: State of the Unions II: The Road to 2020 - Decoding U.S. Politics and the Impact on Transatlantic Relations
In this episode of FEPS Talks, former Member of the European Parliament Josef Weidenholzer looks back to the long debates on Hungary, and in more general terms the risks of democratic backsliding in Central and Eastern Europe.
He argues passionately, that rule of law and solidarity as European values must be upheld in all EU countries, and there has to be zero tolerance regarding abuse of EU funds.
Does he agree with the Eastern/Western division concerning this topic? What does he propose to strengthen the Rule of Law within the Union?
Nevertheless, despite the controversies in some of the “new” EU member states, he remains positive regarding the perspectives of the Western Balkans and EU enlargement but in very concrete terms.
Maj Jensen, Secretary General of the Young European Socialists (YES) exchanges opinions with Maria Freitas, FEPS Senior Policy Advisor on the potential that lies ahead for progressive parties by involving and empowering the Millennial generation in decision making-processes.
Maj and Maria engage in a myth busting conversation of existing perceptions with regard to Millennials and their engagement in politics as they also discuss potential recommendations that progressive parties should consider to win the hearts and minds of this generation.
Agnès Bénassy Quéré, Professor at the Paris School of Economics and at the University of Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne exchanges opinions with David Rinaldi, FEPS Director of Studies and Policy on the potential reforms to the EMU architecture and European fiscal rules. She explains the logic of a spending rule that would avoid the pro-cyclicality of the current setting.
Thanks to her involvement in the French Productivity Board, Professor Bénassy Quéré also sheds some light on the agenda for competitiveness. Does it make sense to have national boards devising competitiveness in competition with other European member states?
Joseph E. Stiglitz, Columbia University professor, winner of the Nobel prize, in conversation with László Andor, Secretary General, FEPS, about the book he published with FEPS: Rewriting the Rules of the European Economy: https://www.feps-europe.eu/resources/publications/662-rewriting-the-rules-of-the-european-economy.html
The discussion in particular revolves around the fiscal rules (Stability and Growth Pact) which, according to Stiglitz, need to be overhauled, even if in the past decade some new avenues opened up for promoting investment in Europe. Stiglitz also elaborates on questions of taxation, and shares his views about the 2019 Nobel laureates, who have been mainly working on the economics of poverty.
It’s been a quarter of a year since the European Elections, which among the others will come down in history as a breakthrough when it comes to unprecedentedly high turnout. While the key positions and the composition of the European Commission are being negotiated, it is worthwhile to look back at the actual results to see what that is that they tell us: in terms of balance amongst the political forces; in terms of raise, fall and transformation of diverse EP groups; in terms of resonance that the pro and anti European moods have within the societies across EU.
All these points and many more are covered in this exciting, very first FEPS Talk - where in our studio André Krouwel, Professor of the Free University of Amsterdam, Director of Kieskompas and long standing member of the FEPS Next Left Research Programme engages in a vivid talk with Ania Skrzypek, Dr and FEPS Director for Research and Training. Will they agree on what’s next when it comes to key votes? Stayed tuned to find out!