Progressive Economic Policy Conference discusses the new EU agenda

A new EU legislature means new policy initiatives and potentially a change of course. The Progressive Economic Policy Conference brought together experts to discuss progressive prospects. Watch the key speeches by Helena Dalli, Esther Lynch and Gabriele Bischoff here.

Thursday, 29.08.2024

Event

Progressive Economic Policy Conference: Forging the new EU agenda

From 25-26 September, we will hold an expert conference on the EU’s key economic policy challenges. It will feature Helena Dalli, Commissioner for Equality, and Esther Lynch, ETUC Secretary General.

The new European Parliament has picked up its work and 26 designated Commissioners stand ready to support Ursula von der Leyen’s second legislative term. Both institutions show a distinct lack of progressive imprint after this year’s European elections.

Therefore, the Progressive Economic Policy Conference brought together representatives from progressive organisations, trade unions and the social-democratic movement on 25 and 26 September 2024 to chart a way regarding the Union’s economic policies.

The conference, which took place at the Académie Royale de Belgique, provided a unique opportunity to align strategies and coordinate priorities during six roundtable discussions on key economic policy challenges facing the EU. Discussions focused on translating progressive priorities into concrete actions within key policy areas:

Continuing the social agenda anchored to the European Pillar of Social Rights
Protecting and expanding the EU Green Deal principles, policies and reach
Ensuring quality of work and good employment amidst the transitions
Upholding upward convergence, territorial cohesion and equality

Watch the highlights below.

Anchoring equality in the new European agenda - legacy speech by European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli

In her legacy speech, European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli took stock of her five-year tenure, which saw the introduction of five interrelated equality strategies that will shape EU policies also in the coming years.

“Mainstreaming equality across all policy areas is not optional—it is essential to shaping the future of Europe.”

Supporting workers in the transitions and ensuring quality jobs - talk with Esther Lynch (ETUC) and Gabriele Bischoff (S&D)

Another session saw ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch and S&D Vice President Gabriele Bischoff address the concerns around the fragmented responsibilities within the new College of Commissioners, the support of workers in the Green transition and the importance of having progressive allies in critical positions.

"Insecurity and insufficient answers will boost right-wing extremist forces in Europe."