Renewing European progressive leadership in climate, energy and industry

Other Publication

Europe is living through a time of constant disruption: geopolitical and economic shocks, a cost-of-living crisis, and accelerating climate impacts. In this context, the climate and energy transition has been too often framed as a cost or a burden – by opponents, and sometimes by its own supporters. That framing is politically self-defeating and factually wrong. 

The paper builds on the session organised by FEPS at the Global Progressive Mobilisation in Barcelona, in partnership with FES Just Climate and Solidar. It sets out the analytical and political case for a renewed progressive leadership that weaves climate action, economic security, and social protection into a single, forward-looking project.  

The key messages are:  

• The climate discussion needs to be reframed by showing that the transition is already happening and has concrete benefits.  
• A different kind of leadership is possible, based on bottom-up collaboration, honesty, European cooperation and a mission-oriented state.  
• A clear agenda for delivery is essential and must focus on investing in people, climate resilience, electrification and investment. 

The position paper includes a preface by Nicolas Schmit, FEPS President.