Search

FEPS Newsletter 17 December 2025 – 🌹 Social Democracy in Europe and beyond

Strategies for progressives – If you have problems displaying this email, follow this link   […]
All Topics
Search topic

17/12/2025
Strategies for progressives –

If you have problems displaying this email, follow this link

As 2025 comes to a close, we proudly share with you the latest FEPS activities. The emblematic Next Left Focus Group, the razor sharp Progressive Pollster Network, and the prestigious Oxford Symposium create spaces where high-level academic experts, policymakers and activists can reflect on the present and the future of social democracy. This time around, these discussions addressed the rise of the far right and its implications for transatlantic relations as well as the functioning of the EU, together with all the consequences on progressive thinking and policy in Europe. This shared analysis, which also clarifies public expectations and points to new opportunities, is indeed needed to develop a new strategic orientation for our movement.
 

This past season also gave a major boost to FEPS activities for the next generation, notably through our training programme, with the Young Academics Seminar in Vienna and the Autumn Academy in Brussels. Check it out!
Social Democracy
11th Oxford Symposium

14-16 DEC – OXFORD, UK

11th Oxford Symposium 

In collaboration with Progressive Britain and Karl-Renner-Institut
 

FEPS was in Oxford for the 11th Oxford Symposium, which launched the new book “The great unravelling“.
 

Over the course of three days, academics, politicians and thought leaders gathered to discuss critical issues like the rise of the radical right, polycrises, and strategies for progressive resurgence in the face of digital, environmental, and demographic transitions.

The book “The great unravelling“, edited by Professor Patrick Diamond and Dr Ania Skrzypek, delves into the impact of growing economic interdependence, free trade and technological change, which has led to new forms of political polarisation that exploit the resentments fuelled by the rise of globalisation.
 

The book counted on a stellar line-up of authors, including policymakers, experts and academics. 
 
Algorithmic rule
Next Left Focus Group and Pollsters Network meeting 

5-6 NOV – VILNIUS, LITHUANIA

Next Left Focus Group and Pollsters Network meeting 

In collaboration with Karl-Renner-Institut
 

The new cycle of the Next Left programme kicked off in Vilnius, Lithuania, hosted by the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) in Seimas, the Lithuanian Parliament! 
 

Over two days, the Next Left Focus Members and the Progressive Pollsters Network gathered with key political figures and experts for a series of discussions. 

BOOK

Facing the future

How to make Social Democracy a powerhouse again

By Ania Skrzypek and Partick Diamond – In collaboration with Karl-Renner-Institut
 

In this pamphlet, the authors challenge the idea that social democracy is in terminal decline, highlighting instead the opportunities for centre-left renewal and the urgency of developing a politics rooted in security, dignity, and aspiration.
 

They propose a new social democratic programme – designed as inspiration, not a blueprint.
Facing the future: How to make Social Democracy a powerhouse again
Training
FEPS Annual Autumn Academy 2025

1-3 DEC – FEPS HQ

FEPS Annual Autumn Academy 2025

For a Europe of peace, prosperity and progress 

In collaboration with Karl Renner Institut, Amicus Europae Foundation, Eteron and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Competence Center
 

Over three days, around 50 rising political leaders from across the EU gathered under the title “For a Europe of peace, prosperity and progress”. Joined by high-level experts, they explored the current and emerging challenges facing social democrats in the EU, but also debated priorities for the future.

13-15 NOV – VIENNA, AUSTRIA

FEPS Young Academics Seminar

In collaboration with Karl-Renner-Institut
 

The seminar focused on completing the network’s policy studies across a range of key topics, including sustainability, housing justice, the care economy, cohesion policy, labour policies, fighting the far right, misinformation, and the rule of law.
 

In addition, the seminar featured a training session and debate on the use of Artificial Intelligence in academia, exploring its benefits, limitations, and risks.
FEPS Young Academics Seminar
Friends of Eastern Partnership

4-6 NOV – VILNIUS, LITHUANIA

Friends of Eastern Partnership

In collaboration with Friederich-Ebert-Stiftung, Foundation Max van der Stoel and Olof Palmes Internationella Center
 

This project brought together 16 members nominated by progressive organisations across the Eastern Partnership region for online workshops and a regional conference in Vilnius for a discussion on advancing progressive values, strengthening local policies, and building sustainable alliances.
 
Events

Upcoming events

See full schedule
FEPS’ New Year Reception & Progressive Yearbook launch
 

📅  29 JANUARY

📍 FEPS HQ

FEPS’ New Year Reception & Progressive Yearbook launch

With the mission of bringing forward analyses of the key political developments of the year, the Progressive Yearbook focuses on transversal European issues that have left a mark on 2025. It brings insightful future-looking analysis and symbolises FEPS’ readiness to put it into perspective.
 

FEPS’ traditional New Year Reception will be the opportunity to launch the Progressive Yearbook 2026 and unveil the Progressive Person of the Year. Register now!
News
FEPS commentary on the EU Affordable Housing Plan
 

FEPS commentary on the

EU Affordable Housing Plan

By László Andor and François Balate
 

Housing unaffordability has become a chronic problem with common causes. Aggravated by underinvestment and overtourism, rents and prices outpace incomes across Europe. Almost 10% of households spend over 40% of their income on housing, and more than 1,280,000 people are homeless, as recently highlighted in FEPS’ policy brief “Tackling the housing crisis in Europe“.
 

The announcement of the EU Affordable Housing Plan by Commissioner Dan Jørgensen is a historic milestone for the European Union. Read more.

Photo credits: European Commission, 2025
FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues at Digital UNGA
 

FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues at Digital UNGA

 

From 15 to 17 December, the Digital UNGA took place in New York, bringing together global leaders, innovators and communities to advance inclusive collective action on how digital technologies can drive people-centred and sustainable development.
 

As part of FEPS’ UNited project, Maria João Rodrigues took part in the Digital UNGA and distributed the first draft of the upcoming policy brief, which will focus on how global governance mechanisms for artificial intelligence can promote peace, security and human rights. The policy brief, written by Francesca Bria, is set to come out next year. Read more.
Progressive Post

READS & VIEWS

Reads & Views to find inspirations!
 

The winter break provides a moment to step back, reflect on substantial political questions facing the world and find some motivation. 
Reads & Views to find inspirations!

For its winter edition, the Progressive Post Library has selected two books and movies to offer you  – and to read and watch yourself! Read more.
For a progressive alternative to the far right in the 21st century

PROGRESSIVE PAGE

For a progressive alternative to the far right in the 21st century

By Maria João Rodrigues, FEPS President

When it comes to the European project, we have reached a pivotal moment. Without stronger European sovereignty, national democratic sovereignty will erode.
 

Read Maria João Rodrigues’s last contribution for the Progressive Post as FEPS President. 

Photo credits: Shutterstock/Artistdesign.13
 

Was this email forwarded to you?

Copyright © 2025 FEPS Europe, All rights reserved.

You are receiving this email because you participated in one of FEPS’ events and/or have registered for FEPS’ newsletter.

If you wish not to receive FEPS’ communications anymore, please click here: unsubscribe now
 

Foundation for European Progressive Studies
Avenue des Arts, 46 – 1000 Bruxelles

+32 223 46 900 – info@feps-europe.eu
Find all related Progressive Post
Progressive Post
05/03/2026
Nicolas SCHMIT

Poverty is not a fatality

In 2024, more than 93 million Europeans, representing 21 per cent of the EU-population have […]
05/03/2026
Marit MAIJ

Poverty is the result of political choices

On 12 February, the European Parliament voted on the report of the parliament’s committee on […]
Find all related Magazine
Magazine
  • cover book

    # Issue 29 Progressive Post

# Issue 29

From the war in Ukraine to the devastation of Gaza since 2023, the words ‘war’ […]
COP EU budget EU Defence Global peace
  • cover book

    # Issue 28 Progressive Post

# Issue 28

European Social Democracy at historical crossroads
BRICS Education LGBTIQ+ Social Democracy
  • cover book

    #Issue 27 Progressive Post

#Issue 27

The EU in uncharted waters
Find all related publications
Publications
See all
03/03/2026
Policy Brief

Digital sovereignty and a new multilateralism for the AI era

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming not only economies but the very nature of global power, […]
03/03/2026
Policy Study

Progressive pathways for a resilient (re)construction of Ukraine: Towards a new social contract

This policy study places labour at the centre of reconstruction planning for Ukraine as the […]
03/03/2026
Policy Brief

European sovereignty and the social dimension

Reasserting Europe’s social-democratic model in turbulent times
29/01/2026
Book

Progressive Yearbook 2026

In an eerie manner, 2025 resembled the ‘time of monsters’, which, according to the great […]
Find all related news
News
See all
05/03/2026

FFPPVC commentary on the new EU Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030

Commentary by the Feminist Foreign Policy Progressive Voices Collective (FFPPVC)
03/03/2026

Wag the dog?

FEPS commentary on the US-Israel attack on Iran
03/03/2026

Closing ceremony of the Progressive Ukraine programme

The graduation ceremony completed the programme which was part of the Open Progressive University (OPU).
29/01/2026

Maria João Rodrigues departs from FEPS Presidency, transitions to Nicolas Schmit

After completing eight years in the role, Maria Joâo Rodrigues has departed the role of […]
Find all related in the media
In the media
See all

Africa and Europe Must Rethink Clean Energy Partnership After COP30 Setback

by News Ghana 27/02/2026
Read this article from News Ghana on the highlights of FEPS' event "Governing the global just transition", where diverse stakeholders discussed the EU's role in supporting a just transition from fossil fuels to clean energy in Africa

EUfória podcast Andor Lászlóval: Mire képes az EU saját erejéből és mennyire van kiszolgáltatva a világnak?

by EUrologus 26/02/2026
Listen to the EUfória podcast with László Andor, Secretary General of FEPS, on what the EU can achieve on its own, how to tackle its competitiveness challenge and how the Hungarian government’s stance shapes the EU’s image.

Can the EU ever become a superpower?

by Euronews 20/02/2026
In this episode of the podcast Brussels, My Love, FEPS President Nicolas Schmit discusses the informal meeting of the Antwerp European Industrial Summit and the Munich Security Council.

España los forma, Europa los contrata: así es el mapa de la nueva fuga de cerebros

by El Confidencial 10/02/2026
Spain trains them, Europe hires them: the map of the new brain drain: László Andor, FEPS Secretary-General, discusses the 'brain drain' as a result of the EU’s single market and highlights the need for a fairer mobility and retention strategy across the EU.