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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gkn-640x360 Sophia Thoenes

Seven Records Set by the Festival di Letteratura Working Class

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

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 ... 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

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 ... read more "ReArm Europe, or the myth of a European defence for peace"
wahlen-pt-640x360 Ana Mendes

Snap elections in Portugal

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... read more "Snap elections in Portugal"
strike-e1744303140494-640x360 Sophia Thoenes

Bend It Like Belgium?

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?

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?"
marine-640x360 IMAGO/ABACAPRESS

Head Bowed, Hands Dirty

Europe: ruin or renewalFrance on the edge
The verdict against Marine Le Pen sends shockwaves around Europe–and is a powerful message against corruption and the abuse of power. The prominent French nationalist Marine Le Pen was today found guilty by the Paris Criminal Court of embezzling public funds. Specifically, Le Pen was accused of misappropriating resources from... read more "Head Bowed, Hands Dirty"
greenland-elections-640x360 IMAGO/Ritzau Scanpix

Greenland: Parliamentary elections deal blow to left wing government

Northern ExposureEurope: ruin or renewalElections and parties
Tuesday’s election to the Inatsisartut – the parliament of Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) – resulted in resounding defeat for the country’s left wing government parties and a landslide victory for liberal party Demokraatit. At the time of writing, many questions remain unanswered ... read more "Greenland: Parliamentary elections deal blow to left wing government"
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