FEPS Newsletter 28 October 2025 – ♀️Feminist Foreign Policy – Beyond values

From feminist principles to actionable policy If you have problems displaying this email, follow this […]

28/10/2025
From feminist principles to actionable policy

If you have problems displaying this email, follow this link

We’ve been on the move non-stop! From the PES Congress in Amsterdam, to S&D Latin America Days at the European Parliament, to discussions on mental health at our HQ, and finally the Fourth Feminist Foreign Policy Ministerial Conference in Paris. At nearly every stop, we launched a new publication offering deeper insights into the topics we explored. Discover more below!

 
Feminist Foreign Policy

23 OCT – PARIS, FRANCE

Exploring best practices in government-civil society collaboration

What has been achieved by Feminist Foreign Policy

Session joined in the framework of the Feminist Foreign Policy Progressive Voices Collective (FFPPVC), led by FEPS with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)

 

FEPS joined this NGO organised session, as part of the official programme of the fourth Feminist Foreign Policies Ministerial Conference in Paris. 

Exploring best practices in government-civil society collaboration

This interactive session explored how governments and civil society can collaborate in a principled, inclusive, and sustainable way to advance Feminist Foreign Policy, by building collaboration rooted in listening and rehumanising one another.

Beyond values – How feminist foreign policy serves strategic interests

POLICY BRIEF

Beyond values – How feminist foreign policy serves strategic interests

By Leonie Stamm – In cooperation with FFPPVC

 

Launched at the Fourth Ministerial Conference, this policy brief explores how FFP serves not only values but is also a strategic tool, strengthening policymaking, improving international cooperation, and enhancing global standing.

 

Feminist principles must become coordinated, actionable policy. To do so, we need deeper civil society engagement and stronger cooperation across parties and regions.

 

PROGRESSIVE PAGE

Feminist foreign policy’s stubborn persistence

By Spogmay Ahmed, Senior Policy Advisor at the Feminist Foreign Policy Collaborative and member of the FFPPVC

Feminist foreign policy’s stubborn persistence

Is Feminist Foreign Policy truly possible in the current international circumstances? 

 

Following the Conference in Paris, Spogmay Ahmed reflects on the challenges and strategies for FFP to navigate this difficult time. Read more.

Photo credits: Julia Wild / FEPS

Feminist Foreign Policy

POLICY BRIEF SERIES 

🗂️ Feminist Foreign Policy

Series realised in the framework of the FFPPVC, led by FEPS with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)

 

This policy brief series offers insights into how the EU can advance gender-sensitive and sustainable peace agreements in a time of mounting militarisation.  

 

We highlight five urgent considerations: 

 

⏱️ Short on time? All recommendations have been synthesised into a single comprehensive document.

🎙️ Do you want to better understand why FFP matters in less than one minute? Listen to Ottilia Anna Maunganidze‘s clear explanation. 

 
Read the series
Events

Past events

See all past events

16-18 OCT – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

FEPS at PES Congress 2025 

Fringe sessions by FEPS, in collaboration with Karl-Renner-Institut, FES Warsaw, FES Competence Center Brussels and Foundation Max van der Stoel

 

On Friday, 17 October, FEPS hosted a series of fringe events exploring the renewal of social democracy, the shifts in the global order, and AI and the future of work. We also held first-of-its-kind interactive training workshops right in the midst of the Congress.

FEPS at PES Congress 2025 

👉 Discover the highlights of the day and get a glimpse of our interactive workshop sessions!

📕 Read our pamphlet “Facing the future: How to make Social Democracy a powerhouse again

S&D Latin America Days

16 OCT – BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

S&D Latin America Days

In collaboration with the S&D Group, FES EU Office and SOLIDAR

 

FEPS was in the European Parliament for the S&D Latin America Days. The fringe event examined how stronger EU-LAC cooperation in trade and development can drive sustainable growth, advance digital and green transitions, and building more resilient, fair and inclusive economies.

 

📺 Watch the FULL event now!

10 OCT – FEPS HQ

Healthy mind, stronger Europe

In collaboration with Progresivni Analyticke Centrum and the Institute for Rational Addiction Policies 

 

On World Mental Health Day, FEPS launched the policy brief “Healthy minds, stronger Europe, a call to place mental health at the top of Europe’s political agenda. 

 

This event presented the results of three expert groups which have been working on concrete policy recommendations on:

 
Healthy minds, stronger Europe
  • Mental health in the workplace
  • The impact of digital technologies on mental health, including social media
  • The intersection of mental health and addictive behaviour

⏱️ Short in time? Read the recommendations.

📺 Watch the FULL event now!

🎙️ Listen to the podcast with the authors of the publication.

Upcoming events

See full schedule

Understanding the power of AI over decisions
 

📅  5 NOV

📍 EESC HQ

Understanding the power of AI over decisions
Fostering a better understanding of AI’s implications for employment 

Join us as we explore the development of best practices in response to the ever-evolving algorithmic management and engage with MEPs on the upcoming legislative proposal on AI in the workplace. 

 

📕 We will also launch the book “Algorithmic rule, which presents an overview of how AI systems already influence public and workplace decisions and the social and political dilemmas this raises.

 

🎨 We will also inaugurate the exhibition ‘My boss, the algorithm’Register to join this exciting journey!

Mobilising progressive Baltic solidarity and EU action for Ukraine’s accession and social transformation
 

📅  31 OCT

📍 VILNIUS, LITHUANIA

Mobilising progressive Baltic solidarity and EU action for Ukraine’s accession and social transformation

This new initiative aims to promote public dialogue on pathways toward peace in Ukraine, with a focus on security guarantees, prospects for a sustainable peace deal, and the implications of Ukraine’s potential EU membership. Register.

 

📕 We’ll also showcase a newly translated Ukrainian edition of the book “Europe and the War in Ukraine and a series of policy briefs on post-war reconstruction.

Call to Europe Denmark 2025
 

📅  29 NOVEMBER

📍  COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Call to Europe Denmark 2025
Well-being for all

With the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU, a new opportunity emerges to place “Well-being for all” at the heart of Europe’s future, which means building a Europe that delivers for its people, from mental health and energy security to peace and prosperity. 

 

We’ll address the following topics:

  • Promoting well-being for young workers
  • Advancing human security in a changing geopolitical context 
  • Building a resilient Energy Union for all

 Register now!

News

Maria João Rodrigues at PES Congress 2025

 

FEPS President Maria João Rodrigues presented resolutions on strong economies that work for people and universal access to healthcare, which was passed unanimously by PES delegates.

Maria João Rodrigues at PES Congress 2025

She was among the many inspiring progressive leaders we had the privilege to hear from during the PES Congress 2025, which included Jacinda Ardern, Pedro Sánchez, Iratxe García Pérez, Teresa Ribera, Lula da Silva, Elly Schlein, and many others. 

Podcast
Listen to the podcast

FEPS TALKS PODCAST

“Mental health is not an individual issue” 

With Sara Bojarczuk, Aida Bikic, Jana Michailidu and François Balate

 

🎧  Spotify | Apple Podcast | Website | Youtube

Europe is facing a growing mental health crisis. From digital overload to workplace burnout and addiction, too many people are struggling to stay healthy in systems that make them ill.

 

In this podcast, leading experts on mental health explore how mental health and wellbeing health must become a cornerstone of European social and economic policy. From the digitalisation of our lives and its psychological toll, to mental health at work and the challenges of addiction and prevention, the conversation calls for a holistic, rights-based approach to build a healthier, more resilient Europe.

 
 

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
21/09/2026

Can a fortress be attractive?

On the migration dimension of this year's State of the European Union speech
18/09/2026

Sweden’s 2026 election: Social Democrats lost the battle but won the war?

In last week’s parliamentary elections in Sweden, the Swedish Social Democratic Party undoubtedly became the […]
18/09/2026

A State of the Union bereft of coherence and clarity

The State of the Union is a very special exercise for the president of the […]
Find all related Magazine
Magazine
  • cover book

    Issue #30 Progressive Post

Issue #30

A world of cracks: the new global disorder
  • cover book

    Issue #29 Progressive Post

Issue #29

Does peace still have a chance?
Find all related publications
Publications
28/08/2026

How can Europe’s missing middle be financed

Translating Chinese lessons for scaling industrial innovation
14/08/2026

A just transition in the Mediterranean

Rebalancing the burdens and benefits of EU-North Africa energy cooperation
31/07/2026

Beyond the “Gaza Riviera” Approach

Preserving identity and supporting Palestine’s landscape and social fabric
22/07/2026

How (not) to fight the far right

FEPS YAN papers 9th cycle
Find all related news
News
16/09/2026

FEPS Reacts: State of the European Union 2026

The 2026 State of the Union felt more like ‘von der Leyen I’ than ‘von […]
23/07/2026

FEPS Reacts: European Commission communication on the Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights

By Laszlo Andor, FEPS Secretary-General & François Balate, Policy Analyst on Social The communication on the […]
08/07/2026

Letter to Manfred Weber, Chair of the EPP Group, by FEPS President Nicolas Schmit 

Dear Mr Weber, You are European, but also German. One should be entitled to expect […]
23/06/2026

FEPS Reacts: 10 years after Brexit

Written by FEPS Secretary-General László Andor 🔸 Brexit has been a case study in national self-harm. The […]
Find all related in the media
In the media

La Regina, il problema dei divari territoriali è una questione europea

by Regione Basilicata 22/09/2026
“La Regina: territorial disparities are a European issue” News article published by ANSA (IT), featuring Raffaele La Regina, participant in the FEPS Young Academics Network, discussing territorial and social inequalities across Europe, the need to reconcile competitiveness and cohesion, and the role of European cohesion policy, industrial policy and investment in ensuring that no region is left behind.

Канадскиот гамбит на Фон дер Лајен

by Racin.mk 21/09/2026
“Von der Leyen’s Canadian gambit” Opinion article by László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, published in Racin.mk (MK), analysing the EU’s growing rapprochement with Canada, the shift from geopolitics towards geoeconomics, and the need for Europe to reduce its dependence on the US while strengthening multilateralism. Andor also examines the Commission’s economic and social priorities, highlighting the need for stronger attention to living costs, labour and social policy.

Biztonságpolitika? Az a NATO dolga – EU-s biztosok értékelték Ursula von der Leyen beszédét

by Telex 21/09/2026
“Security policy? That’s NATO’s job – former EU Commissioners assess Ursula von der Leyen’s speech”. Article published in Telex (HU), featuring László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, analysing Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address and discussing Europe’s economic competitiveness, investment gap, strategic vulnerabilities, AI, migration and the EU’s changing geopolitical position.

EU’s new cross‑border work rules favour recruitment, not workers, say critics

by EUObserver 16/09/2026
FEPS Policy Analyst on Social François Balate discusses the latest EU Labour Mobility Package under Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu zatu for the EUObserver.