By Jan Bogusławski, Matilde Ceron, Robin Huguenot-Noël, Alessandro Liscai and Severin Rapp – In collaboration with the Karl-Renner-Institut

To what extent do EU fiscal rules constrain governments’ social and labour market spending? Exploring the critical cases of France and Italy, this policy study gathers evidence from two decades of interactions between national welfare priorities and EU fiscal rules and, through this comparison, sheds light on the mechanisms underlying recent recalibrations and what it means for the Social Pillar implementation.

By Unai Gómez-Hernández, Alberto Bortolotti, Dennis Gottschlich and Maja Gergorić – In collaboration with the Karl-Renner-Institut

In recent years, European citizens have witnessed a rise in inequality, especially socio-economic, alongside an increase in vote share for radical right populist parties. By examining case studies from Italy, Hungary, and Spain (with the comparative case of Germany), this policy study argues that the rise of populism is not only linked to economic trends but also to other constitutional changes and institutional settings characterising European countries with a focus on economic inequality as the explanatory variable for political participation.

By Mathieu Blondeel, Cleo Davies, Daniel Muth and Marene Elgershuizen – In collaboration with the Karl-Renner-Institut

In the face of a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, marked by global tensions and environmental challenges, this report outlines the evolution of the EU towards a geopolitical union. With the 2024 European elections approaching, the report proposes principles, which, taken together, provide for a dynamic, applicable framework that serves as a basis for practical engagement and policy formulation in fostering a progressive EU geopolitics.

By Tin Kampl, Dmytro Mamaiev, JiMin Nam, Tomás Vieira Silva and Elena Zacharenko – In collaboration with the Karl-Renner-Institut

EU enlargement is once again becoming a priority for European decision makers and is seen as an effective foreign policy tool in challenging geopolitical times. However, it is imperative to recognise EU accession as a multifaceted process that can also exacerbate socio-economic disparities within and beyond the EU. This policy study analyses this phenomenon in light of two specific issues: the application of visa liberalisation policies under EU accession negotiations; and the negative effects of high levels of migration from the semi-periphery to the core of the EU induced by access to free movement.

By Lena Siepker and Halliki Kreinin – In collaboration with the Karl-Renner-Institut

In the run-up to the European elections in 2024, this policy study delves into the essential question of why we need to transform the EU food system and how to do it – adopting an ecosocialist perspective that serves as a basis for a new, progressive, social- democratic and ecological food policy. 

By Kilian Wirthwein, Marc Cabañas, Fabio Di Nunno and Leah Rea – In collaboration with the Karl-Renner-Institut

This policy study delves into the evolution of the regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising, exploring upcoming key changes and their connection to broader discussions on populism, democratic values, and access to quality information. Additionally, it provides guidelines for progressive parties on leveraging this legislation to initiate comprehensive strategies to combat extremist populism and antidemocratic movements within the EU.

In collaboration with Foundation Max van der Stoel and Karl-Renner-Institut

Take part in this exciting opportunity to enhance your skills and engage in knowledge exchange with trainers from across Europe. Each participant will contribute their unique experiences, styles, and ideas, fostering a rich environment for collaborative learning.

Do you have expertise in international relations? Have you worked in areas such as multilateralism, EU foreign, security, peace, development and cooperation policies?