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

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 emphasise the importance of addressing persistent inequalities in societies and between member states.

Against the backdrop of these significant challenges for the EU, our panel discussion explored how the Union can successfully combine the green and digital transitions with social justice at its core. How can the EU and its member states achieve green, socially inclusive growth, and ensure 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 discussed not only new ideas and strategies but also how the social-democratic approach can address these pressing issues.

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

You can find complementary information about the event here .  

If you have any further questions, please contact Céline Guedes, FEPS Project Officer (celine.guedes@feps-europe.eu).