The new EU term—how to bring Europe on the path for a socially just and green growth

Policymakers and experts explore ways for Europe to ensure social justice in the green and digital transitions.

At the start of the new EU term, Europe faces significant challenges, including geopolitical tensions, the climate crisis, declining competitiveness in parts of its industry, and the urgent need for green and digital transformation of its economy. The prominent reports by Enrico Letta (2021) and Mario Draghi (2024) propose – though sometimes controversially – reforms and strategies to strengthen the EU’s economic, social, and environmental position. Both reports also emphasize the importance of addressing persistent inequalities in the societies and between member states.

Against the backdrop of these significant challenges for the EU, our panel discussion will explore how the Union can successfully combine the green and digital transitions with social justice at its core. How can both the EU and its member states achieve growth that is green, socially inclusive, and ensures that no one is left behind during these transitions? How can Europe’s industry be transformed so that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand with equitable access to resources and greater solidarity within and across societies? Our panelists will discuss not only new ideas and strategies but also how the social-democratic approach can address these pressing issues.

The event takes place as part of the Next Left Focus Group meeting in Vienna. The research program Next Left was launched in 2009 by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and the Karl-Renner-Institut. Since 2020, it has been led by Andreas Schieder and aims to shape the political discourse in Europe with progressive ideas.

Keynote

Andreas Schieder
MEP, Head of the SPÖ delegation in the European Parliament

Discussants

László Andor
General Secretary of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), Brussels

Lorenza Antonucci
Associate Professor in the Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology at the College of Social Sciences at University of Birmingham

Michael Soder
Economist in the Economic Policy Department of the Vienna Chamber of Labour; author of the book "Eine grüne Revolution"

Moderation

Maria Maltschnig
Director of the Karl-Renner-Institut, Vienna

Die Diskussion in englischer Sprache findet in Kooperation mit der Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) statt.