Search
Generic filters
Filter by Type
Posts
Inspiration
publications

Clear head and nerves of steel – the dilemma of reforming our fiscal rules

As fears of a recession make fiscal policy ever more relevant, we need to discuss reforming economic governance rules. Many of the Commission’s good intentions fail to achieve what they set out, leaving us with a fiscal architecture that is pro-cyclical and unreliable, hindering the green and digital transitions and economic growth. After three years […]

Daring more democracy!

The EU’s current reform of economic policy coordination rules risks worsening rather than improving its democratic deficit. However, the proposals could still be democratised, and this would serve the EU both politically and economically. When the French government raises the retirement age or when a new anti-child poverty allowance is cut down in Germany, EU […]

The EU economic governance reform: technical and political points

The economic governance reform is very much a political issue. The EU Commission has brought forward a package for reforming the EU fiscal rules. Behind its technicalities, which may be difficult to navigate for the uninitiated, lie choices that are political by nature: what societal objectives to prioritise? Who takes the decisions? The proposals made […]

Upcoming national elections in the Netherlands: the case for Social Democrats and Greens joining forces

This article was written with the valuable contribution and under the co-authorship of Ties Huis in ‘t Veld, the international secretary of the PvdA, whom the Progressive Post wishes to thank warmly. This November, snap elections are scheduled in the Netherlands. For these polls, the Dutch Social Democrats (PvdA) have decided to present a common list […]

India’s G20 leadership: navigating a divided world and bridging the gap

As the countdown to the 18th G20 summit in India (9-10 September) begins, the capital New Delhi already wears a festive look to host the large summit. Born out of the 1997-1998 global financial crisis, the G20 consists of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, […]

The wheels are coming off

Frans Timmermans has stepped down as executive vice president of the European Commission. Margrethe Vestager is expected to become the president of the European Investment Bank, and Jutta Urpilainen is going to join the competition to become Finland’s new president. These commissioners used to be political heavyweights in their home countries before moving to Brussels, […]

Pedro Sánchez, the dam that contains the European right’s taste for the extreme right

The pre-23 July picture was bleak. At a time when Europe swings towards the extreme right – either because the extreme right gains access to member states’ governments or because the right wing relies on them to govern – the fear that the result of the Spanish elections would consolidate this trend and inevitably reshape […]

Spain, a European election

The results of the general election in Spain have been a hopeful message to Europe: Spain is not going to join Italy, Sweden or Finland, there will be no coalition government between the right and the extreme right. And what is also important for Europe, there will be no such government in the country that […]

Winners cannot be losers: the uncertain outcomes of the Spanish general elections

As the election night unfolded in Spain, it became clear that the conservative PP would not have an easy go at forming a government while the left-wing block, led by the Socialists (PSOE), might be able to do so. Nevertheless, both sides claimed victory and called upon the other to admit defeat. But: who really, […]