European roundtable of Progressive think tanks

On the 27th February 2025, Presidents and representatives from FEPS’ Member Foundations convened for a round-table to address global challenges from the far-right.

The challenges posed by the hard and far-right have reached a new unprecedented level. It started in the roots of our societies and turned into organised movements and political parties, gaining electoral influence, entering parliaments, and securing governmental seats.

Today, the hard and far-right forces are not only leading national governments but have also taken power in the world’s leading hegemon – the United States.

Trump’ agenda is bringing big challenges and dangers to the European project: negotiating peace in Europe without involving Europe; replacing a rules based order by a power-based order; triggering a trade war which will hit jobs and living costs; phasing out the green transition; dismantling international cooperation in different fronts; resisting European regulations regarding the American digital platforms; interfering in European democratic elections; actively supporting the European far-right movements. Their last meeting in Madrid on the 7th February had as guest of honour Kevin Roberts, the President of Heritage Foundation, the Washington DC think tank which was is charge of preparing Project 2025, Trump’s governmental agenda. 

At the same time, other poles with autocratic leadership are asserting their forces in a larger battle for areas of influence using their military, energy, financial, technological, and media powers to reshape the global order and our societies.

Discussions included:

1. Assessing Trump’s agenda and far-right challenges to the European Project
2. Identifying priorities for a European Progressive Agenda
3. Short exchange of views with the Center for American Progress (CAP)
4. Internal discussion about next steps

Watch the full speech of FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues at the European roundtable of Progressive think tanks.

Check out the key topics highlighted by the participants

• Shaping the digital transformation – Maria João Rodrigues
• Safeguarding the green and social Europe – Daša Šašaic Šilovic
• Supporting Ukraine – Ireneusz Bil
• Fighting inequalities – Anna Diamantopoulou