Progressive Economics Network 2024

After the energy crisis, Europe’s economy is facing a series of economic challenges stifling growth, productivity and innovation. The picture across the board is mixed when it comes to economic output. The conventional wisdom that the economic heavyweights, including Germany, pull ahead does not hold at the moment. In addition to the task of addressing the economic challenges in Europe, technological changes, the climate emergency and conflict after conflict have combined to create a widespread mood of insecurity, and in November, the U.S. will head to the polls. The political and economic consequences of a new President in the White House are yet to be determined.  

In these times, speaking with one voice while also addressing current challenges in a targeted manner is more important than ever for progressives in power. There is much to build on. Europe stood together in dealing with the immediate economic and social damage brought about by the pandemic, and transatlantic unity has seen a remarkable revival in the West’s resolute response to Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression. 

As the new European Commission is taking charge, the Progressive Economics Network (PEN) will reconvene to discuss current challenges and help guide the development of policy responses strengthening economic resilience, industrial policy and competitiveness and public investments in the green transition.  

On 21–22 November 2024, the PEN will host a two-day event in Berlin and online. The meeting will consist of three main sessions taking place at the FES Berlin Office, the German Chancellery, and the DPZ Office on:

• Shock preparedness and resilience 
• A progressive vision for industrial policy and competitiveness
• EU investment capacities in the new mandate

Among our confirmed speakers are:

• Steffen Meyer, Head of the Department for Economic, Financial and Climate policy, German Federal Chancellery 
• Maria João Rodrigues, FEPS President
• Heather Bushey, Member of President Joe Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers
• Ole Funke, Deputy Director General European Policy, German Federal Chancellery
• Isabella Weber, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst

The Progressive Economics Network (PEN) is a joint initiative of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and Das Progressive Zentrum (DPZ) to advance the discussion of key economic issues by bringing together leading economic advisers, researchers, and decision-makers for open, frank, and private exchanges. The aim is to facilitate the brainstorming of innovative policy proposals on current economic challenges, with a focus on shaping progressive solutions.

This event is upon invitation only. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Anna Kolesnichenko, FEPS Policy Analyst on Economy (anna.kolesnichenko@feps-europe.eu), and Vanessa Zwisele, FEPS Project Officer (vanessa.zwisele@feps-europe.eu).