Issue #24

2024 is gearing up for an exceptional electoral year: about 400 million citizens will elect a new European Parliament, the US might send Donald Trump back to the White House and, altogether, more than 2 billion people cast their votes in 50 countries. For European Progressives, it is time for back to basics, which, in an era of shrinking welfare states, increased inequalities and rising living costs, includes a return to strong and impactful social policies. Hence our Special Coverage The future is social highlights progressive ideas for a fairer Europe, which is at stake in these European Parliament elections.

The transformative role Progressives can play is also at the core of the Dossier The art of progressive governance in turbulent times: European Social Democratic governments have successfully managed the Covid-19 crisis, made key contributions to shaping European recovery, and can play a decisive role in the future. However, the increasing strength of the radical right looms behind many of this year’s elections – it could even impact the war in Ukraine. The Focus on Ukraine: two years of full-scale war underlines this risk and the conflict’s implications on the Ukrainian people’s difficult path to democracy. Ahead of this new electoral cycle, we also reflect on women’s role in politics. The Dossier Women in politics: beyond representation looks at the crucial contribution that women in the European Parliament have made to key decisions that truly boost women’s emancipation and the advancement of society at large.