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Jun 03 2025
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Political Steps towards Eco-Social Transformations

By Featured, Publications

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. Learning lessons from the current state of play, it provides ideas and elements to drive political action that effectively moves eco-social transitions from the margins to the mainstream of European policymaking.

About

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 policy brief argues that more transformative eco-social policies are needed to address both the causes and consequences of the ecological crisis and outlines first steps of a political strategy to deliver this.

Drawing on the ‘three Is’ framework – interests, ideas, and institutions – this publication 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 policy to ensure that ecological action reinforces, rather than undermines, democratic legitimacy and social justice.

Authors

  • 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 authors 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

The EU’s next long-term budget is a defining test of its strategic direction. Is the EU willing to make the choices required to secure its relevance and legitimacy? 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.

About

This brief 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. The brief lays out key principles and choices needed to deliver a budget fit for Europe’s future. With political momentum shifting and economic realities evolving, the moment to act is now.

A transformative EU budget must substantially increase in size, commensurate with the Union’s strategic goals. This will require expanding financing tools, through a combination of higher Member State contributions, new own resources (NORs) and joint borrowing. It must also grow in purpose, through ensuring the green and digital transitions – and their social dimensions – are central and protected as key elements of Europe’s economic roadmap. But a more capable EU budget must also be governed with clarity, discipline, and democratic legitimacy. To ensure effectiveness and accountability, the following principles should be applied:

  • Policy mainstreaming and earmarking;
  • Emphasising social justice;
  • Avoiding zero-sum trade-offs;
  • Strengthening conditionalities.

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 GEF’s Head of Policy. 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.

 

Mar 06 2025
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Gender at the Heart of the EU Energy Transition: Key learnings from the French case

By Publications

About

The policy brief “Gender at the Heart of the EU Energy Transition” identifies the energy transition’s potential for gender equality. The publication exposes the gendered nature of our relationships to energy and the link between the fossil-based energy systems and gender inequalities. It examines gender-based disparities within the three key roles that define our relationships with energy: as consumer, producer, and governance actor. 

The energy transition has the potential to tackle these inequalities. But to effectively counter these traditional dynamics, intentional policy is required. Using examples from France, the brief showcases that, while gender has entered the energy transition policy discourse here and there, more needs to be done to avoid repeating inequalities of the past. We argue that gender mainstreaming and active participation of all genders across demand, supply and decision-making spaces within the transition are critical and that EU policymakers must – and can – lead the way. 

This policy brief aims to spark political debates on the underexposed relationship between gender and energy. It is the output of discussions of a Green European Foundation Knowledge Community on Energy and Gender Equality, led by Barbara Nicoloso (Director of Virage Énergie, France) and made up of researchers, experts, activists, and elected representatives working to reduce gender inequalities while making our societies more sustainable. The brief uses examples from the French context, collected from literature and interviews with experts conducted by the author, to ultimately inspire changes to EU and national-level policymaking to better deliver a just, fair transition that consciously works to eliminate gender inequalities.   

Authors

  • Barbara Nicoloso, Director of the French NGO Virage Énergie,
  • Taube van Melkebeke, Head of Policy at the Green European Foundation. 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 contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament. 

 

Mar 03 2025
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A European Wellbeing Economy: Avenues for political action

By Publications

About

The starting point of this publication is that the EU’s economy is ultimately embedded in cultural and social systems, which in turn are sub-systems of the Earth’s biosphere. As Fullerton notes, “the history of economic theory is [therefore] not over with Keynes and Hayek”. Instead, we need to be more critical, more systemic, and more daring. A wellbeing economy addresses this need – it aims at delivering quality of life for people, while pulling our economy back within planetary boundaries.

Adopting a wellbeing-centred approach would enable the EU to tackle social-ecological risks linked to the triple planetary crises, to increase fairness, and to transform towards a quality-focused economic strategy. It can inform a sustainable and transformative policy and investment agenda, that goes beyond crisis-after-crisis-response. Learning from the past five years of Covid-pandemic, energy and cost of living crises, and at the start of the new mandate, EU leaders have the opportunity to carve out an offer that truly delivers for their citizens amidst geopolitical turmoil.

Our publication is a call to action for EU policymakers across the political spectrum to make the crucial years ahead count for the wellbeing of current and future generations on our planet. Ultimately, we aim to clarify that a wellbeing economy is not an abstract utopia; it is a strategic response to the lessons of history and the need for long-term security. In a world increasingly defined by great power competition, Europe’s best bet is not to be trapped between rival blocs but to define a distinct path – one that prioritises security and protection in the broadest sense. After all, what is security if not the health of people, the resilience of our environment, the strength of education systems, and the assurance of a safe and stable future?

The publication is the result of a one-year-long exchange within a Knowledge Community of more than 60 experts that aims to map the main challenges and provide recommendations to inspire the European institutions in the delivery of their ambition to work toward the wellbeing of its peoples. It discusses the state of play and problem identification, and develops EU level reflections, solutions and recommendations for 6 interrelated thematic clusters for a European wellbeing economy.

 

Contributors

  • Emma Bergeling is Junior Policy Analyst, Climate and Circular Economy at the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP),
  • Antoine Oger is Executive Director of the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP),
  • Taube Van Melkebeke is Head of Policy of the Green European Foundation (GEF). For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

 

Summary for policymakers

A  summary of the publication can be found here: Summary

Published by the Green European Foundation with the collaboration of the Institute for European Environmental Policies, and 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 editor and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament or the Green European Foundation. 

Feb 19 2025
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Post-growth Future(s): New Voices, Novel Visions

By Publications

Growth is no longer a viable path, yet the idea of a post-growth society is still struggling to enter mainstream politics. Despite mounting ecological and social crises, policy discussions remain locked in outdated economic paradigms. However, recent years have marked a turning point, with post-growth thinking gaining momentum in European institutions, civil society, and academia.

The age of growth is behind us, but hardly anybody dares to admit it. […] In this publication, we say it loud and clear: growth is past tense. We need to engage now, without delay, in reimagining prosperity and wellbeing beyond growth

This publication brings together 20 authors from across Europe to explore what a future beyond growth could look like. Through diverse perspectives, it examines how post-growth ideas can reshape economic structures, social justice frameworks, and environmental policies. It also highlights how new voices (academics, activists, and policymakers) are translating these ideas into concrete political and policy action. By connecting emerging debates with real-world transformations, the publication contributes to strengthening the movement for a just and sustainable post-growth future.

This publication is part of the Green European Foundation’s work on post-growth in the scope of the project Post-Growth Future(s). It builds on discussions from key post-growth events, including the Beyond Growth Conference in Brussels and the International Degrowth Conference in Zagreb. The publication amplifies new ideas and connects them with the broader movement for systemic change.

This publication has been realized by the Green European Foundation with the support of  the Institute of Political Ecology and the Heinrich Böll Stiftung, 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.

Nov 21 2024
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Boosting Participation in the Energy Transition: Five action areas for the new EU policy cycle

By Publications

The transition to a green economy can protect European households from volatile fossil fuel prices through cheap and safe renewables, strengthen democracy and reduce the magnitude and impacts of the climate crisis. But more needs to be done to ensure that every person and community benefits. 

The political briefs collected in this report describe practical steps that EU institutions should take to boost fair participation in the energy transition and have been prepared based on the expertise of a diverse group of experts. They cover five action areas, ranging from optimisation of energy sharing, electricity tariffs and renovation and renewable heating and cooling, to improving procedures for just transition governance and facilitating local management of the transition. 

“Europe should lead the way into the Green Age, but must take care that no one is left behind.” 

Five areas for action

We encourage you to explore each of the five individual policy briefs featured in this section or access the complete collection in the publication below:

Just Transition governance

Renovation and renewable heating and cooling

Electricity tariff design

Energy sharing

Local management

About the authors

Kalina Arabadjieva is a Senior Researcher at the European Trade Union Institute.

Marine Cornelis is Founder and Executive Director at Next Energy Consumer.

Béla Galgóczi is a Senior Researcher at the European Trade Union Institute.

David Ritter is Senior Researcher at Öko‐Institut.

Claire Roumet is responsible for Strategic Partnerships, EU Policy and Overall Coordination at Energy Cities.

Hélène Sibileau is Senior Policy Advisor at Buildings Performance Institute Europe.

About the editors

Taube Van Melkebeke is the Green European Foundation’s Head of Policy. She leads the different Knowledge Communities of the Foundation.

Jörg Mühlenhoff is Head of European Energy Transition Programme at Heinrich‐Böll‐ Stiftung European Union and has co‐led the work of this Knowledge Community.

Matthew Jones is a consultant, writer and editor who coordinated the work of this Knowledge Community.

For further information, contact Matthew Jones at matthew.jones@gef.eu.

This political brief is published with the support of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union. 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. 

Jun 17 2024
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Green Approaches to Security and Defence

By Publications

In a shifting geopolitical landscape, Greens are grappling with the interplay between their traditional pacifist roots and the post-February 2022 security challenges. This report delves into their evolving stances on key defence issues, from EU military cooperation to disarmament, offering insights into the varied approaches adopted by Green parties from eight EU countries. Expert viewpoints featured throughout provide further feedback and inputs as to what a Green defence policy could (or should) look like. As Europe navigates turbulent waters, the report calls for renewed commitment to progressive and principled approaches to security and defence.

The report is structured into five chapters that address important EU military challenges. They portray a nuanced understanding of European security dynamics among Green parties, reflecting varying national contexts, strategic cultures, and historical perspectives. This report thus provides a clear mapping of green defence thinking across Europe, including points of convergence, gaps, and tensions. Complemented by the expert views, it gives a solid basis for further discussion within and beyond the Greens, to strengthen defence and security policy while maintaining a critical and progressive voice, even in uncertain times.

Chapter 1 delves into the complex institutional landscape of security and defence in Europe. It examines the debates surrounding the identity of the EU and looks at the respective roles of the EU and NATO as security providers.

Chapter 2 focuses on military expenditures and budget allocation. It discusses differing perspectives among Green parties on the use of GDP to set defence government budgets and on how these should be allocated.

Chapter 3 explores Green parties’ opinions on defence industrial policies broadly understood. It examines Green positions on grant programs put in place by the EU and shows diverging opinions on the allocation of public funds to industry.

Chapter 4 analyses positions on nuclear deterrence, disarmament, and arms control. Green parties generally continue to oppose the doctrine of nuclear deterrence, but the war in Ukraine has led some to revise their position on its effectiveness.

Chapter 5 delves into the intertwined concepts of civic militarism, civil protection and non-violence; their implications for military involvement in security as well as civilian participation to defence.

 

This report is a call to action for Green parties to embrace their role as catalysts for progressive security policies. By navigating the complexities of modern security with creativity, Greens can contribute to shaping a peace-oriented, sustainable, and common European security architecture.

 

About the authors

Agatha Verdebout is a researcher and deputy director at GRIP. Her main area of expertise is international peace and security law.

Anne Xuan Nguyen is a researcher at GRIP. Working more broadly on security and environmental issues, she specializes in conflict-related pollution and its remediation.

 

This report is also available in:

Greek – German

This study was conducted by the Green European Foundation with the support of Etopia , Cogito , Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe, and Sustainable Development Forum Green Window . The study was commissioned by GEF to the Groupe de recherche et d’information sur la paix et la sécurité (GRIP). It is published with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. 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.

Jun 17 2024
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The Future of the EU’s Energy Project

By Publications

This report  – resulting out of GEF’s Knowledge Communities – aims to serve as a compass for more ambitious, systemic, and inclusive debates on the topic of the EU’s energy project.

Despite its societal, political and democratic significance, energy policy is often viewed as largely technocratic, market-oriented and somewhat opaque, leaving it highly susceptible to backlash. If it can break free from this restrictive framework, the EU’s energy project can transform from a contentious political battleground into a unifying European flagship that enhances cohesion, prosperity, security, resilience, climate action, and global justice.

This report identifies four interconnected areas of critical importance for the energy project: energy security, social aspects, climate and sustainability, and democracy. For each of these dimensions, it highlights current gaps and offers political proposals. The goal of this publication is to ignite and inform political and public debates, ultimately freeing energy policy from its technocratic confines and unlocking systemic green and progressive visions for the future of the EU’s energy project.

 

About the contributing experts

Benjamin Denis is a Senior Policy Advisor and Head of industrial policy coordination at IndustriAll Europe.

Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera is the Founder and Head of Forum Energii.

Rosa Martínez is the State Secretary for Social Rights in Spain.

Antoine Oger is the Research Director for Global Challenges and SDGs at the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP).

Jesse Scott is Adjunct at Hertie School Berlin and Visiting Fellow at DIW Berlin.

 

About the editors

Edouard Gaudot is a teacher, consultant and writer who has contributed to the project as a penholder of the Political Briefs that give shape to this report.

Taube Van Melkebeke is the Green European Foundation (GEF)’s Policy Manager. She leads the different Knowledge Communities of the foundation.

For further information, contact Taube at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

 

 

This political brief has been realised 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.

May 15 2024
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The Future of the EU’s Energy Project: Climate dimension

By Publications

About

This Political Brief considers the climate and sustainability dimension of the EU’s energy project. It identifies several gaps in the current state of the EU’s climate and energy intersection and delves into emerging needs, concerns, priorities, and potential unintended consequences of the green transition policy.

We propose closing existing policy gaps, strengthening the climate dimension of the EU’s energy project from a wholistic point of view. This includes focusing on key areas such as:

  • Monitoring and long-term strategic planning, of both targets and infrastructure;
  • Renewed European solidarity;
  • The need to look outside of the EU borders.

This is the third out of four briefs that delve into different dimensions of the EU’s energy project. All these briefs are informed by expert insights and discussions within the GEF Knowledge Communities.  The remaining three focus on energy security, social aspects, and democracy.

 

Contributors

Benjamin Denis, Core expert of this Knowledge Community and Senior Policy Advisor and Head of Industrial Policy Coordination at IndustriAll Europe.

Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera, Core expert of this Knowledge Community and Founder and head of Forum Energii

Rosa Martinez, Core expert of this Knowledge Community, Green European Journal Board Member and State Secretary for Social Rights in Spain.

Antoine Oger, Core expert of this Knowledge Community and Research Director, Global Challenges and SDGs at the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP).

Jesse Scott, Core expert of this Knowledge Community Adjunct at Hertie School Berlin and Visiting Fellow at DIW Berlin.

Taube Van Melkebeke, Green European Foundation (GEF)’s Policy Manager and Knowledge Communities lead. For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

 

 

 

This political brief has been realised 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.

Apr 18 2024
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Navigating NATO

By Publications

Green and progressive parties across Europe have historically held a sceptical view towards the military industry and defence alliances such as NATO. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine spotlighted existing security vulnerabilities and profoundly shifted the public and political debate. In this context, Greens may have differing attitudes towards NATO, but find themselves in the political reality of not if but how to engage within it. Based on desk research and expert interviews from ten European countries, this report explores different ways that greens and progressives can influence NATO, and the risks and opportunities this entails.

 

It is important to bring alternative thinking into mainstream and conservative security spaces, and with more Greens in parliaments and governments across the continent, there is both the room and need for greater influence and expertise.

 

About the author

Sarah Bitamazire

Sarah Bitamazire is a policy expert on international human rights law and foreign policy work in conflict and high-risk environments. She is currently Chief Policy Officer at Lumiera, a boutique advisory firm with policy, tech, and business expertise that equips organisations with responsible AI strategies. Prior to this she was at the heart of the Swedish policy debate on defence and foreign affairs, developing policy ideas for the Swedish Greens. Sarah is specialised in Public International Law and Human Rights Law, and holds a Law Degree from Uppsala University and Leiden University.

 

This report is also available in:

Greek – German

This study was conducted by the Green European Foundation with the support of Cogito. It is published with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. 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.

Apr 17 2024
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A European Single Market for the Future

By Publications

About

This Political Brief zooms into the future of the EU’s Single Market, a pivotal instrument to enable and promote the environmental and social transition, while bolstering the EU’s economic resilience.

To achieve this potential, the authors argue we need a radical shift in focus. The political brief therefore suggests a new social and environmental pact for the Single Market 2.0., based on systemic quality: encompassing quality of product, of work and of life. This pact can bring together employers interested in quality products, workers and trade unions championing dignified labour conditions and NGOs and citizens advocating for a better quality of life and  sustainable climate practices.

To further concretise the political ideas put forward, the brief finally proposes piloting the new social and environmental pact in three policy areas: circular economy, green industrial policy and public procurement.

This political brief is part of the GEF Knowledge Communities.

 

Contributors

Philippe Pochet, GEF fellow and core expert to this Knowledge Community. In the past he held the position of Director of the Observatoire Social Européen (OSE) for over 15 years. From 2008 to 2023, he served as the General Director of the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI). Currently, he is a Professor at the Catholic University of Louvain and a Visiting Professor at the College of Europe in Bruges. He also holds the position of Affiliate Professor at Sant’Anna School of advanced studies, Pisa. Next to the topic of the Single Market, Philippe is also collaborating with GEF on Climate Emergency and Welfare States.

Taube Van Melkebeke, Green European Foundation (GEF)’s Policy Manager and Knowledge Communities lead. For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

 

 

This political brief has been realised 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.