European Positions on Unconditional Basic Income II

About the Event

At a time when many people have lost their jobs and the economic outlook is uncertain, an unconditional basic income (UBI) sounds tempting. In November, with the support of FREDA and the Green Future Academy Austria, GEF invited Barbara Prainsack to discuss her new book on an Unconditional Basic Income “Vom Wert des Menschen.”

To build further on that discussion, we are inviting new perspectives to the table. Bishop Benno Elbs brings in the perspective of Christian social teaching, Markus Koza brings in the trade union point of view, and Barb Jacobson will provide a European perspective with her precise knowledge of the international discussion.

Together, they will address key questions like: Is basic income a contemporary solution to our social and economic problems? Do national trials make sense or is European cooperation necessary? And can we even afford it?

Context

After gathering comprehensive expertise and setting up transnational networks through a three-year long project on universal basic income, GEF and its partners continue building on the outputs and successes of this work on the topic.

The transnational project ‘Change of Mindset – UBI, Climate and Social Change’ seeks to spark a stronger civil society dialogue to bring about the change of mindset needed to raise acceptance of universal basic income among the public and to deepen the debate on our conceptions of productivity and work. Together, we dive into the exploration of UBI as a tool of the urgently needed ecological transition and part of social security in a (post-)pandemic, climate change world.

Speakers

• Barbara Prainsack – Professor of Political Science, University of Vienna, author
• Benno Elbs – Bishop of the Diocese of Feldkirch
• Barb Jacobson – Welfare Advisor, London
• Markus Koza – green social speaker with union background

Moderation by Eva Häfele, social scientist

Practicalities:

This event will take place on Zoom and will be primarily in German, with some English consecutive translation. Please register in advance via this link.