Progressive Economics Network 2024 (2)

Europe’s economy is facing a series of challenges stifling growth, productivity and innovation. The conventional wisdom that the economic heavyweights, including Germany, pull ahead does not hold at the moment. On top of this, the result of the US elections brings additional uncertainty to international relations, both on economic and security dimensions.

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) reconvened 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 hosted a two-day event in Berlin and online. The meeting consisted of three main sessions taking place at the FES Berlin Office, the German Chancellery, and the DPZ Office on:

• Lessons Learnt from the Crises: Building up Shock Preparedness and Resilience 
• A Progressive Vision for Industrial Policy and Competitiveness 
• EU Investment Capabilities: Navigating the New Mandate

Among our confirmed speakers were:

• Holger Fabig, Head of the Department for Economic, Financial and Climate policy, German Federal Chancellery 
• Thomas Dermine, State Secretary for Economic Resilience and Strategic Investments, Belgium
• Maria João Rodrigues, FEPS President
• Paolo Pasimeni, Senior Associate Researcher, Brussels School of Governance, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) 
• Isabella Weber, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Liam Byrne, MP, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee, Labour Party
• Zoltán Vajda, Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP), Member of the Hungarian Parliament, Chair of the Budget Committee and Professor of Economics at the International Business School (IBS) 
• Francesca Bria, Mercator Stiftung Fellow on Governing Digitization in Public Interest, Honorary Professor, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose

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). It advances 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 was 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).