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Jun 03 2025
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Political Steps towards Eco-Social Transformations

By Featured, Publications

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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

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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. 

 

Apr 10 2025
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A modernised European single market for a new reality of economic security

By Publications

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This paper was published as part of the Single Market Economics Papers by the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission.

Time is of the essence in aligning European economic systems with both environmental and social goals. To achieve this, it is essential to leverage all available tools – the single market being the most potent instrument. However, unlocking its full potential requires the adoption of a new strategy based on a reformed sense of economic security.

The persistence of path dependency and a reflexive attachment to the status quo has left the single market ill-suited to meet the needs of its citizens. The 2025 Single Market strategy should be viewed as a starting point to overcome outdated frameworks and to reflect on the intentionality and construction of the single market.

This paper argues that the potential of the European single market in providing economic security within a dramatically changed context has been overlooked. It aims to fill the gaps in current understandings of economic security by developing an expanded framework that incorporates economic resilience and, more specifically, environmental and social security. Ultimately, it seeks to contribute to the current debate on reforming the single market by addressing both existing and emerging threats to the European economy.

Authors

  • Philippe Pochet collaborates with GEF on the topics of welfare states, single market and the circular economy as a GEF fellow. He was Director of the Observatoire Social Européen (OSE) for over 15 years and then General Director of the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) from 2008 to 2023. He is currently a Professor at the Catholic University of Louvain and a Visiting Professor at the College of Europe in Bruges. He is also an Affiliate Professor at the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa.
  • Taube Van Melkebeke is Head of Policy at the Green European Foundation (GEF). She leads the various Knowledge Communities of the Foundation. For more information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.
  • Friederike Möller is policy intern at the Green European Foundation.

This document has been prepared for the European Commission; however, it reflects the views only of the authors, and the European Commission is not liable for any consequence stemming from the reuse 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

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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.

 

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. 

 

Jun 12 2024
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A European Green Caring Society: Overcoming Fragmentation

By Publications

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This policy brief examines the interconnections between care for the climate, biodiversity and the environment on the one hand and care for humans on the other. We argue that the related systems are currently in a twin crisis and advocate for integrated political solutions. As Europe transitions from a legislative term dominated by a pandemic and an escalating ecological emergency, which required significant green and human care policy initiatives, the new mandate presents an opportunity to unify these agendas and strengthen both systems. Adopting a green caring society approach can foster collaboration among decision-makers committed to a sustainable, resilient, and positive European future. Key proposals include extending the Do No Harm principle to encompass both human and environmental care, fostering a green care sector, implementing ecological and progressive tax reforms, establishing a People’s Sovereignty Fund and creating a new Commission Vice-Presidency for Caring Societies. These initiatives aim to bridge policy silos, promote sustainability, and ensure social equity, thus fostering a resilient and inclusive European society. This approach can bring the EU closer to its citizens and enhance overall well-being while respecting the planet’s boundaries. This unified approach of green and care policy strands has the potential to significantly enhance public support for the European project and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for all.

 

Contributors

  • Céline Charveriat, Core expert of this Knowledge Community, the Founder and Director of Pro(to)topia and Adjunct Professor at PSIA. She is an independent environmentalist and former Executive Director at the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP).
  • Taube Van Melkebeke is Head of Policy at the Green European Foundation (GEF). She leads the different Knowledge Communities of the foundation. For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

 

 

This policy 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 27 2024
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The Future of the EU’s Energy Project: Democratic dimension

By Publications

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This policy brief considers the democratic dimension of the EU’s energy project. It looks at the links between political systems, energy sources and technological systems, as well as the democratic challenges and opportunities created by the need to drastically change our energy production and consumption patterns.

It is the last of four briefs exploring the various dimensions of the EU’s energy project, all based on expert input and discussions among the GEF Knowledge Communities. The other three deal with energy security, the social dimension, and climate and sustainability. 

Energy democracy can be seen as the glue binding all these other dimensions together, since it is relevant across the full spectrum of energy issues: continuity of supply, access, affordability and sustainability. It is therefore critical to the success of the energy project as a whole. To move its agenda forward, we propose a framework based on various governance levels, at which the democratic dimension of energy can be implemented and strengthened.

 

Contributors

  • Benjamin Denis, Core expert of this Knowledge Community, Senior Policy Advisor and Head of Industrial Policy Coordination at IndustriAll Europe.
  • Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera, Core expert of this Knowledge Community, Founder and Head of Forum Energii.
  • 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, Head of Policy at the Green European Foundation (GEF). She leads the different Knowledge Communities of the foundation. For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

 

This policy 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

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This policy 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 holistic 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, Senior Policy Advisor and Head of Industrial Policy Coordination at IndustriAll Europe.
  • Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera, Core expert of this Knowledge Community, 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, Head of Policy at the Green European Foundation (GEF). She leads the different Knowledge Communities of the foundation. For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

 

This policy 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 17 2024
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A European Single Market for the Future

By Publications

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The Single Market is a key lever to enable and promote the environmental and social transitions, as well as to strengthen the EU’s economic resilience. To achieve this potential, however, a radical shift in focus is required. This policy brief suggests a new social and environmental pact for the Single Market, based on systemic quality: 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. By piloting the pact in three areas – circular economy, green industrial policy and public procurement – first concrete steps can be taken.

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, Head of Policy at the Green European Foundation (GEF). She leads the different Knowledge Communities of the foundation. For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

 

 

This policy 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.

Mar 22 2024
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The Future of the EU’s Energy Project: Energy security dimension

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This policy brief considers the energy security dimension of the EU’s energy project, with a particular focus on the new realities and dynamics of European (energy) security and the need to adapt energy frameworks accordingly.

Triggered by the climate emergency, cost-of-living crisis, geopolitical turmoil and fierce competition for the clean tech pole positions, energy security has evolved drastically over the last couple of years. The EU’s energy security toolbox, however, remained roughly untouched and left the Union paralysed. It’s high time to recognise the importance of this dimension of the Future of the EU’s Energy Project. Bringing order into this toolbox, thereby making it fit to deal with a changed world, is fundamental if we want to ensure sufficient, reliable and sustainable energy for all.

The authors of the policy brief propose a pathway, based on a revised European Energy Security Strategy. It is the first of four briefs exploring the various dimensions of the EU’s energy project, all based on expert input and discussions among the GEF Knowledge Communities. The other three deal with social aspects, climate and democracy.

 

Contributors

  • Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera, Core expert of this Knowledge Community, 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.
  • Jesse Scott, Core expert of this Knowledge Community, Adjunct at Hertie School Berlin and Visiting Fellow at DIW Berlin.
  • Taube Van Melkebeke, Head of Policy at the Green European Foundation (GEF). She leads the different Knowledge Communities of the foundation. For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

 

This policy 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.

Mar 22 2024
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The Future of the EU’s Energy Project: Social dimension

By Uncategorized

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This policy brief considers the social dimension of the EU’s future energy project, with a particular focus on social and territorial inequalities, energy poverty, inflation, jobs and skills.

It zooms in on the current policies and regulations, political context, investments and redistribution, and puts forward a number of political ideas and proposals. By shifting away from a consumption-driven approach, towards a planned, collective one, the authors argue, the EU can create real motivation for citizens to play an active part in the transition.

How?

a. Providing public measures and subsidies to fight energy poverty, while reducing overconsumption and maximising efficiency and sufficiency.

b. Creating new strategies and incentives for an inclusive transition on the labour market and schools.

c. Deploying the highest social and environmental conditionalities, at home and abroad.

d. Delivering the needed investments through a balanced combination of new money, new paradigm and new tax system.

This policy brief is part of the GEF Knowledge Communities. It is our second brief exploring the various dimensions of the EU’s energy project, all based on expert input and discussions. The other three deal with energy security, climate and democracy.

 

Contributors

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

Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera, Core expert of this Knowledge Community, 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 Head of Policy and Knowledge Communities lead. For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

 

 

This policy 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.

Feb 29 2024
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Climate Emergency and Welfare States

By Uncategorized

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This policy brief develops arguments for an urgent evolution of European welfare states. We point out that, to answer the new climate emergency-related risks citizens face, welfare states should be reinvented and expanded. We suggest a set of concrete political proposals that can lead the way, ranging from the systematic decarbonisation of existing welfare state infrastructures to funding of an additional European welfare state sector, to new directives, new forms of European coordination, and the establishment of an EU monitoring body. The proposals have all been selected for their
feasibility and implementability during the next European legislature, as well as for their potential to spark public and political debates surrounding the intersection of the climate emergency and welfare states’ policy.

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, Head of Policy at the Green European Foundation (GEF). She leads the different Knowledge Communities of the foundation. For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

 

This policy 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.