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Dec 01 2025
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Acting Out: Arts and Culture Under Pressure

By Featured, Publications

The ability of arts and culture to foster a sense of community and help us understand the past, interpret the present, and imagine the future is often celebrated. Yet in today’s political climate, these vital human endeavours are both devalued and instrumentalised. Neoliberal economic orthodoxy, the rise of the far right, the dominance of tech corporations, and unregulated AI all add to an already precarious situation for artists and cultural workers. Still, instances of cultural resistance offer reason for hope. Recognising the value of arts and culture and their potential to contribute to a just ecological transformation, this edition aims to open a space for what both the green movement and the creative sectors see as the key to healthy democracies – dialogue, pluralism, and mutual understanding – without erasing productive conflict.

Acting Out: Arts and Culture Under Pressure is now available in print and online on the Green European Journal website.

Nov 05 2025
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Fair allocation of energy network costs

By Featured, Publications

About 

As Europe electrifies, it will need to invest massively in its grid. Grid investment is paid for through network tariffs, a component of energy bills. A surge in investment means a surge in network tariffs. But how should these costs be fairly allocated in the context of a just transition for all and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis across Europe? 

Well-designed grid tariffs can reward household flexibility that eases pressure on grids while protecting vulnerable consumers. This brief calls on the European Commission to provide stronger guidance for national regulators on designing network tariffs that encourage those who can to flex their electricity demand while protecting vulnerable consumers and working to reduce energy poverty.  

This policy brief is one in a series of briefs developed by a Knowledge Community of approximately 30 experts in energy and social policy from industry, the EU institutions, civil society and think tanks. The group met several times over half a year to discuss how to foster participation and inclusion in the energy transition. To write the briefs, the authors used a collaborative method where they presented each draft during Knowledge Community meetings, then led a dedicated discussion, drawing ideas from the expertise in the group to develop their work. 

You can access the publication here.

Authors

  • Tom Lewis is Energy Policy Coordinator at Climate Action Network Europe 
  • Christophe Jost is Energy Policy Coordinator at Climate Action Network Europe 

 

The other briefs in this series are: 

We encourage you to explore the two policy briefs featured above or access the complete collection below:

This policy brief is published by the Green European Foundation with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament or the Green European Foundation.

Published with the support of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union| Global Dialogue. The analysis and opinions expressed in this report reflect the views of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue.

Nov 05 2025
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Increasing benefit sharing of renewable energy projects

By Featured, Publications

About 

The practice of benefit sharing of renewable energy projects is a win-win situation. It can make the energy transition fairer for local communities, help developers speed up project deployment and accelerate the EU’s renewable rollout. Project developers consult with local citizens and municipalities, and come to an agreement on sharing some of the benefits of the project, whether that be through local investment, in-kind benefits, or local part-ownership. Involving the local community can reduce local opposition and speed up permitting, and make projects more competitive.  

Despite its many advantages, the practice is still relatively limited. This brief calls for the EU to help widen and standardise benefit sharing by providing guidelines and setting out key principles that can be implemented across the EU. It calls on the European Commission to include benefit sharing in its Citizens Energy Package, look at making benefit sharing mandatory and include it in assessment criteria for permitting applications.  

This policy brief is one in a series of briefs developed by a Knowledge Community of approximately 30 experts in energy and social policy from industry, the EU institutions, civil society and think tanks. The group met several times over half a year to discuss how to foster participation and inclusion in the energy transition. To write the briefs, the authors used a collaborative method where they presented each draft during Knowledge Community meetings, then led a dedicated discussion, drawing ideas from the expertise in the group to develop their work. 

You can access the publication here.

Author 

  • Etienne Charbit is Europe Policy Officer at French NGO réseau Cler 

 

The other briefs in this series are: 

We encourage you to explore the two policy briefs featured above or access the complete collection below:

This policy brief is published by the Green European Foundation with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament or the Green European Foundation.

Published with the support of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union| Global Dialogue. The analysis and opinions expressed in this report reflect the views of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue.

Nov 03 2025
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The beauty of what already exists: The contribution of renovation and repurposing to affordable energy-efficient homes

By Featured, Publications

About 

Political pressure is high to deal with Europe’s housing crisis. This policy brief calls on policymakers to resist the temptation for short-term fixes, arguing rather for a holistic understanding of housing affordability that looks beyond paying rent or mortgage to also account for the cost of living in a home. Quality housing can save energy, protect occupants’ health and resist extreme weather impacts. The policy brief makes the case that investing further in renovation and repurposing of existing buildings should be central to any response to the housing crisis.  

This policy brief is one in a series of briefs developed by a Knowledge Community of approximately 30 experts in energy and social policy from industry, the EU institutions, civil society and think tanks. The group met several times over half a year to discuss how to foster participation and inclusion in the energy transition. To write the briefs, the authors used a collaborative method where they presented each draft during Knowledge Community meetings, then led a dedicated discussion, drawing ideas from the expertise in the group to develop their work. 

You can access the publication here.

Authors 

  • Emily Bankert is Researcher for Carbon and Energy in the Built Environment at Buildings Performance Institute Europe 
  • Hélène Sibileau is Senior Policy Advisor at Buildings Performance Institute Europe 

The other briefs in this series are: 

We encourage you to explore the two policy briefs featured above or access the complete collection below:

This policy brief is published by the Green European Foundation with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament or the Green European Foundation.

Published with the support of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue. The analysis and opinions expressed in this report reflect the views of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue.

Oct 13 2025
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Vacancy: Call for Communications Assistant

By Featured, Vacancies

The Green European Foundation is currently seeking a full-time Communications Assistant.

About the Vacancy

We are currently looking for a Communications Assistant to support the work of the Green European Foundation (GEF). The successful candidate will support the Green European Foundation’s outreach by managing digital content across social media, newsletters, and websites, ensuring consistent and engaging communication. They will contribute to visual design and event and policy communications. The role also involves monitoring analytics, coordinating with service providers, and assisting with reporting to strengthen the impact of GEF’s communication strategies.

Main Tasks

VISUAL DESIGN

  • Design visually engaging materials such as graphics, banners, and promotional content for social media, websites, newsletters, and events
  • Assist in the preparation of communication assets for campaigns, events, and reports, ensuring high-quality visual presentation in line with branding guidelines
  • Occasionally support video and audio production and editing for multimedia content

OUTREACH

  • Coordinate the GEF newsletters
  • Develop and monitor a holistic communications strategy for GEF, in coordination with GEF’s Management and Head of Units
  • Coordinate digital outreach efforts across the organisation
  • Provide support in assessing the objectives and impact of communications efforts and campaigns
  • Support colleagues in tailoring their communications efforts to different audiences, from policymakers to partners, activists, or European citizens
  • Provide support in finding relevant policy and news hooks to increase the reach and impact of GEF’s content
  • Track social media, newsletters and website analytics and prepare reports to inform future communication strategies

SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE

  • Manage GEF and support Green European Journal social media channels
  • Draft, refine and provide guidance across teams on tone, style, and content that resonates with target audiences
  • Provide support to team members in drafting and managing website content
  • Liaise with service providers to maintain and update GEF and GEJ websites, ensuring functionality, user experience, and visual consistency

EVENT SPECIFIC COMMUNICATIONS

  • Develop and implement communication plans, coordinating teaser campaigns, targeted outreach to partners and relevant target audiences, etc
  • Ensure smooth updates to the GEF webpage and social media coverage during GEF events
  • Liaison and briefing with designers, videographers, photographers in relation to GEF events

OTHER

  • Report on communication activities and their outcomes
  • Assist with administrative tasks related to communications
  • Ensure compliance with privacy policies and data protection standards, maintain transparent reporting, and support auditing processes.
  • Support in the maintenance of archives

What we are looking for

  • Degree in communications, media, public relations, political science or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • At least 2 years of professional experience in digital communications.
  • Good working knowledge of visual design tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).
  • Experience creating engaging content for digital platform.
  • Good organisational and administrative skills, attention to detail.
  • Technology-savvy, and good command of office software (MS Office, project management tools, etc.).
  • Interpersonal skills and eagerness to work in a political and intercultural environment.
  • Proactive attitude and openness towards a variety of tasks.
  • Commitment to GEF’s mission and team values (solidarity, respect, openness, sustainability, autonomy).
  • Legal right to work in Belgium (we are not in position to support work application permits for this role).

Desired

  • Knowledge of additional European languages.
  • Experience in video and audio editing for multimedia content.
  • Familiarity with European politics and policy.
  • Basic knowledge of GDPR and data protection policies in communications.
  • Basic understanding of CRM systems.

What we offer

  • A paid position, with a fixed-term contract duration (CDD under the Belgian employment framework)
  • Competitive salary, based on GEF’s salary scale, with a midpoint salary at 2500 EUR gross per month
  • 13th salary in December
  • Food vouchers amounting to 8EUR/worked day (with 1.09EUR employee contribution)
  • Full reimbursement of public transport in Belgium
  • Paid mobile phone subscription through GEF’s phone bundle
  • 150 EUR/month home office and internet allowance
  • 250 EUR/year eco-vouchers (depending on previous year’s employment status)
  • Hospitalisation insurance for employees and their partners or families
  • 2 extra holidays on top of the Belgian legal framework, plus the period between 24 December – 1 January
  • 5 days of professional training days per year plus an individual training budget of 1000 EUR/year
  • Flexible working time and hybrid office (two days per week teleworking, and up to 4 weeks per year teleworking from abroad)

Starting date: January 2026
Office location: Brussels, Belgium

Please find the full job description and vacancy listing here. 

How to apply

Interested candidates should apply by 27th of October, 23:59 (Brussels time), using this form.
Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The application must include a current CV and a cover letter outlining the motivation for this position, both comprised in a single pdf document which includes the first and last name of the candidate in the document name.

Note: We are not against using AI tools, but we are trying to get to know you as a person.

Depending on the number of applications received, written assignment will be sent to shortlisted candidates. The written assignment takes place indicatively between 30st October and 2nd November. Interviews for the position are planned to take place online on 13th of November.

In case of questions, please send an e-mail to giuseppina.tucci@gef.eu.

GEF is an equal opportunities employer: We are committed to non-discrimination, diversity, and inclusion. We invite candidates of all gender expressions, races, religious beliefs, ethnic/national origins, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability and minority status to apply. This position is open to nationals of EU/EEA member states or Switzerland, and to non-EU nationals with the right to work in Belgium.

Jun 03 2025
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Political Steps towards Eco-Social Transformations

By Featured, Publications

About

This policy brief examines the political feasibility of transforming Europe’s welfare states to meet the dual challenges of ecological breakdown and rising social risks. While less transformative eco-social policies, such as those included in the current European just transition framework, have gained traction in recent years, they remain limited in scope, reactive in nature, and rooted in a growth-oriented paradigm. The brief argues that more transformative eco-social policies, grounded in the concept of sustainable welfare, are needed to address both the causes and consequences of the ecological crisis.

Drawing on the ‘three Is’ framework – interests, ideas, and institutions – the brief identifies barriers to transformative change and outlines strategies to overcome them. Key elements of these strategies include strengthening socio-ecological coalitions and constituencies; promoting rights-based ideas; and creating inclusive, multilevel and silo-breaking institutions. Ultimately, the brief calls for a bold rethinking of European social policymaking to ensure that ecological action reinforces, rather than undermines, democratic legitimacy and social justice.

Author

  • Matteo Mandelli, is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics, Sciences Po Paris. He currently collaborates with the Green European Foundation (GEF) and is a board member of the Sustainable Welfare and Eco-social Policy Network. He holds a PhD in political studies from the University of Milan.

Published by the Green European Foundation with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the author and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament. 

 

May 28 2025
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Bridging the Gap: Matching Europe’s budget with its strategic transformation needs

By Featured, Publications

About

The EU’s next long-term budget will be a defining test of its strategic direction. This policy brief makes the case for a bold new European Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) that reflects the scale of today’s intertwined climate, social, and geopolitical challenges. It argues that without significantly increased and better-targeted public investment, the EU risks deepening divides, falling behind in global competitiveness, and losing public trust. The upcoming budget negotiations offer a rare opportunity to align Europe’s resources with its priorities: a green and inclusive economy and democratic resilience. With political momentum shifting and economic realities evolving, the moment to act is now. The brief lays out key principles and choices needed to deliver a budget fit for Europe’s future. Europe has the facts and data, the institutions, and the public support to lead through transformation. But it lacks a budget that matches its ambition. A forward-looking, adequately resourced, and strategically governed EU financial framework is essential, not only to navigate today’s crises but to shape a stable, green, and inclusive future.

This GEF Policy Brief was written with expert contributions from the independent climate think tank E3G.

Authors

  • Alba Berhami Sintomer is a Policy Advisor and a research lead at the climate change think tank E3G,
  • Sandra Tzvetkova is a Senior Policy Advisor at the climate change think tank E3G,
  • Taube Van Melkebeke is Head of Policy at the Green European Foundation (GEF). For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

Published by the Green European Foundation with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament or the Green European Foundation. 

 

Mar 06 2025
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Citizens’ Assemblies and the European Green Deal: A Perfect (Mis)Match?

Citizens’ Assemblies and the European Green Deal: A Perfect (Mis)Match?

By Featured, Publications

About

The European Green Deal has missed a key chance to tap into the recent deliberative wave across Europe. Yet the green transition is ongoing and must accelerate – with citizens at its core. Its success hinges on meeting people’s needs and embedding social impact in strong environmental policies. Citizens’ assemblies offer a way to ensure voices are heard at all levels, from local communities to EU institutions.

Citizens’ assemblies […] show that citizens coming together propose, more often than governments, bold policies to address the climate crisis while also considering social aspects. This creates a unique opportunity to redesign the Green Deal bottom-up.

This publication is part of the Green European Foundation’s work on Democracy and Participation and is the result of a collaborative  process between partner organisations from Belgium, Croatia, Finland, North Macedonia, and Serbia within the project Green Deal  for  All – Citizen’s Assemblies in Action, organised by the Green European Foundation.  Recognising the huge gap between the top-down implementation of the European Green Deal – reduced merely to a series of technological and financial measures – and the needs of various societies and communities across Europe, the aim was to explore the role citizens’ assemblies can play in ensuring its bottom-up democratisation.

 

This publication is also available in Greek

This publication has been realized by the Green European Foundation with the support of  the Institute of Political Ecology, Oikos, Visio, ASSED  Sunrise, Polekol and Center for Green Politics, as well as with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.