Social Europe, Economic and Digital Policy

Supporting Both People and the Economy for Sustainable Structural Change in Europe

Shifts in climate policy and digital transformation are triggering a number of opportunities for a positive future in Europe. However, the changes we are facing can sometimes be disruptive, and can even reinforce existing inequalities. This threatens societal peace and social cohesion, and impairs economic development. This is where the state needs to intervene to enable people and economic actors to manage and shape change. The European Union plays a key role for its Member States in this regard, but also globally. It sets standards that apply to the European Single Market but that also have an impact far beyond its borders (known as the Brussels effect).

Our work at the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation's EU office aims at striking a social, environmental and economic balance in the EU. This requires fair rules regarding competition, workers and consumer protection, digitalisation and tax policy. There is also need for adequate fiscal freedom and investment, as well as strong public services and effective social dialogue. The Economic and Monetary Union should continue to develop as a progressive, sovereign, sustainable, social market economy that protects and empowers people, places the focus squarely on good work, and actively involves citizens in policy-making.

Related News, Events and Publications

21.11.2024 | Future of Europe, Democracy, Gender Equality and Human Rights, Social, Economic and Financial Affairs, News

The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages seeks to raise the quality of life for workers all over Europe. But only a handful of Member States are…


More

21.11.2024 | Social, Economic and Financial Affairs, News, Event

On 21-22 November, the Progressive Economics Network (PEN) gathers in Berlin to discuss progressive perspectives on the EU's new agenda. Learn more…


More

15.10.2024 | Democracy, Gender Equality and Human Rights, Social, Economic and Financial Affairs, Trade and Development, News

A new EU legislature means new policy initiatives and potentially a change of course. The Progressive Economic Policy Conference brought together…


More

Wednesday, 25.09.2024 - Thursday, 26.09.2024 - Académie Royale de Belgique, Brussels | Democracy, Gender Equality and Human Rights, Social, Economic and Financial Affairs, Trade and Development, Event

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…


More

12.12.2023 | Future of Europe, Democracy, Gender Equality and Human Rights, Migration and Integration, Social, Economic and Financial Affairs, Trade and Development, Foreign, Security and Defence Policy, News

Ahead of the European elections in 2024, the FES presents Twelve Missions for a Progressive Europe to offer fresh ideas and practical steps to make…


More

02.10.2023 | Democracy, Gender Equality and Human Rights, Migration and Integration, Social, Economic and Financial Affairs, Trade and Development, Foreign, Security and Defence Policy, News
Martin Schulz, President of the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation, congratulating the FES EU Office to its 50th anniversary.

On 2 October 1973, the FES EU Office opened its doors in Brussels. For half a century, it has actively shaped and strengthened a social and democratic…


More

Wednesday, 06.09.2023 - FEPS | Social, Economic and Financial Affairs, News, Event
Hybrid Workshop Invitation: EU Economic Governance 6 September 2023

On 6 September, Prof. Mark Dawson presented a new FES-study, addressing the democratic deficit in EU economic policy coordination and ways to enhance…


More

Monday, 27.03.2023 - Online: Youtube | Social, Economic and Financial Affairs, News, Event

Der SPD-Europaabgeordnete Dr. Joachim Schuster und der IW-Direktor Prof. Michael Hüther diskutierten Anfang des Jahres über die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit &…


More

Thursday, 15.12.2022 - Online | Social, Economic and Financial Affairs, News, Event

In this new episode of "Social Europe Talk", our expert panel will discuss causes and solutions to the cost-of-living crisis. Join us on 15 December!


More

27.10.2022 | Democracy, Gender Equality and Human Rights, Migration and Integration, Social, Economic and Financial Affairs, Trade and Development, Foreign, Security and Defence Policy, News, Event

On 26 October, FES-President Martin Schulz officially launched our two Competence Centres FES Just Climate & FES Future of Work in our core EU Office…


More

Contact

Contact

Marie Hasdenteufel

Policy Officer
Economic & Digital Policy, Social Europe
Marie.Hasdenteufel(at)fes.de
+32 (0)470 72 11 54

Annika Thöt

Project Coordinator
European Trade Union Dialogue
Annika.Thoet(at)fes.de
+32 (0)477 87 62 16