Theophilos Papadopoulos via Flickr

Europe: Ruin or Renewal?

Fuelled by growing economic hardships and fears about the future of the continent, an alarming drift to the right has set in across Europe. The elections to the next European Parliament, scheduled for 6–9 June 2024, are therefore already casting a shadow. Given the stakes, there can be little doubt that they will be of particular significance — also and especially for the European Left, which with 37 MEPs is currently the smallest group in the European Parliament.

In this dossier, we present analysis and critique of the European Union — along with proposals for how the EU and European policy could be transformed for the better. We take a closer look at the growing strength of the radical and extreme Right across the continent and discuss democratic socialist approaches to economic, social, and migration policy. Lastly, we highlight the prospects and perspectives of left-wing formations across Europe by speaking with leading representatives of Die Linke and other parties of the Left.

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portugal-640x360 Ana Mendes

Once Upon a Time There was a Country…

Andrea Peniche
Europe: ruin or renewal
Early parliamentary elections were held in Portugal on Sunday, called after a motion of no confidence in Montenegro's right-wing government (PSD-CDS) had been filed and rejected. The underlying reason for this motion of no confidence had to do with the prime minister’s legal and ethical fitness for office. ... read more "Once Upon a Time There was a Country…"
merz-640x360 IMAGO/NurPhoto

The Status Quo’s Last Stand

Raul Zelik
Europe: ruin or renewal
Germany’s new government will exacerbate social conflicts over wealth distribution, the climate crisis, and state repression. In light of the global rise of the far right, the latest iteration of a grand coalition between the conservatives (CDU/CSU, or “the Union”) and Social Democrats (SPD) in Germany appears to be a ... read more "The Status Quo’s Last Stand"
gkn-640x360 Sophia Thoenes

Seven Records Set by the Festival di Letteratura Working Class

Alberto Prunetti
Europe: ruin or renewal
The Festival di Letteratura Working Class in Campi Bisenzio, near Florence, is an event unique in its kind. What sets it apart is its setting, grassroots spirit, and political drive: literature here is a form of resistance, reclaiming space in a deindustrialized landscape. In 2025, over 7,000 ... read more "Seven Records Set by the Festival di Letteratura Working Class"
le-pen IMAGO/ABACAPRESS

From far-right firebrand to playing the victim

Anna Schröder
Europe: ruin or renewalFrance on the edge
Why Le Pen’s games are a danger to democracy Like all right-wing extremist parties, the National Rally (Rassemblement National – RN) styles itself as an “anti-establishment” movement fighting against an allegedly corrupt and self-serving political elite. However, when it comes to their own financial ... read more "From far-right firebrand to playing the victim"
rearm-640x360 IMAGO/Stefano Montesi

ReArm Europe, or the myth of a European defence for peace

Laëtitia Sédou
Europe: ruin or renewal
Within the space of a few weeks, sensational announcements for rearming Europe have multiplied and fine proclamations in favour of peace and international law were made. Behind the scenes, however, the picture is less glorious: between the exacerbation of the global arms race and the defence of our ... read more "ReArm Europe, or the myth of a European defence for peace"
wahlen-pt-640x360 Ana Mendes

Snap elections in Portugal

Andrea Peniche
Europe: ruin or renewal
For the third time in four years, general elections have been called in Portugal. This time the elections follow a confidence motion tabled by Montenegro's right-wing government (PSD-CDS), which they lost. This is not merely further evidence of the instability and institutional crisis into which the right and the liberal centre are ... read more "Snap elections in Portugal"
strike-e1744303140494-640x360 Sophia Thoenes

Bend It Like Belgium?

Federico Tomasone
Europe: ruin or renewal
As the new government targets pensions and workers’ rights, Belgian unions are showing Europe how to fight back Formed after months of political deadlock, Belgium’s new government led by Prime Minister Bart De Wever presents itself as a force of stability in an era of economic and social uncertainty. The so-called “Arizona ... read more "Bend It Like Belgium?"
ela-1-640x360 imago/ZUMA Press

The European Left Alliance: New Project, Old Problems?

Vladimir Bortun
Europe: ruin or renewal
One could be forgiven for having missed the creation of the European Left Alliance (ELA) late last year. Comprised of six parties (La France Insoumise, Podemos, the Portuguese Left Bloc, the Finnish Left Alliance, the Swedish Left Party, and the Danish Green-Left Alliance), ELA will now be the second ... read more "The European Left Alliance: New Project, Old Problems?"
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