Joint hybrid workshop by FEPS and Progressive Alliance
Friday 25th of June, 11.00am – 12.30pm CET
Webstreamed via Facebook live.
The purpose of the program is to highlight the importance of maintaining a truly social democratic program focused on social rights, material well-being and democratic participation in all continents.
Besides campaigning and winning elections, the challenge remains to anchor progressive values and references within our societies and to aim for a new progressive cultural hegemony framing our approach on sustainable development.
Although Social Democratic ideas have inspired Progressives allround the globe, it cannot be seen as a „Europe only” political project. In these times of the Covid-19 crisis, especially under the current circumstances, we are witnessing a revival of progressive economic and social policies, not only in the United States. This will have to put the transatlantic progressive dialogue into a new frame.
In fact, there have been periods in the recent past when significant progress has been made also in various countries of Latin-America, Africa as well as Asia. In many cases, however, progress is not sustainable, and is followed by a backlash and democracy has become under threat due to populist, authoritarian and fascist tendencies. The social aquis as well as social safety nets and anti-poverty programs can also be rolled back.
The seminar will take stock of such developments inside and outside of Europe, identify some critical challenges and opportunities for Social Democracy in a global context.
Speakers:
László Andor – FEPS Secretary General
Nicolas Schmit – EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
Esther Lynch – Deputy Secretary General ETUC
Gaby Bischoff – S&D MEP
Moderator:
Conny Reuter – Progressive Alliance
