Niederaussem, Bergheim power plant
imago/blickwinkel

Social-Ecological Transformation and Industry

The current economic system is in an acute crisis, which is being reflected in all aspects of the society in Europe and globally. A transition of the economic system is a possible solution for exiting the multiple crises. The socio-ecological dimension is the starting point for this transition. Questions of a just energy production, distribution and administration, of the efficiency of financialisation of concepts such as “natur” or services and of a clean and sustainable energy are being focused on. We are talking about a resource and environmental friendly generation of energy and raw materials. We are also talking about a democratic and inclusive administration of energy and industry. And we are of course talking about sustainability and fairness in distribution: jobs, basic living services and quality of life are of one making. Our publications and events in this section focus on this transition.

Image: imago/blickwinkel

Articles on this topic

The Dilemma of European Industry: A Crisis of Value and Structural Constraints

rosalux
Volkswagen plans to cut 100,000 jobs by 2030. Its Osnabrück plant will be sold to an Israeli arms manufacturer and converted to military production. In France, Renault and Thales have agreed to develop combat drones. Is rearmament replacing civilian industry? And who decides on... Read More "The Dilemma of European Industry: A Crisis of Value and Structural Constraints"

Reclaiming Industrial Policy Means Reclaiming Power Over Investment

Federico Tomasone
Trade unionists, industrial workers, researchers and political representatives gathered in Brussels to debate how democratic planning, public coordination and workers’ participation can shape a progressive European industrial policy On 23–24 April, policymakers, trade unionists, industrial... Read More "Reclaiming Industrial Policy Means Reclaiming Power Over Investment"
IMAGO/Independent Photo Agency Int.

To Save Europe’s Steel Industry, a Public Takeover is Needed

Alexandra Gerasimcikova
As energy costs surge and decarbonisation pressures mount, Europe’s steel crisis exposes the limits of profit-driven industry — and the case for public ownership Europe’s steel sector is in crisis. The obvious culprit is the continent’s high energy prices, now further escalating in the wake of the... Read More "To Save Europe’s Steel Industry, a Public Takeover is Needed"

Reclaiming Steel: A Public Path for Europe’s Green Industrial Strategy

Alexandra Gerasimcikova, Max Wilken & Justus Henze
The European steel industry is once again in crisis. A sector that currently supports around 300,000 direct and between 2.3 and 2.5 million indirect jobs has been increasingly seeing steel companies announce closures, mass layoffs and capacity cuts. These developments accelerate an... Read More "Reclaiming Steel: A Public Path for Europe’s Green Industrial Strategy"

Selling Nature: The EU’s Role in Creating Markets For Biodiversity

Simon Counsell & Clara Bourgin
The idea of “nature” or “biodiversity” credits is gaining traction as a proposed solution to the growing biodiversity crisis. These credits should certify measurable biodiversity gains, such as habitat restoration or species protection, and make them available for purchase by companies,... Read More "Selling Nature: The EU’s Role in Creating Markets For Biodiversity"

Brazil’s Green Transition Beyond COP30

Clàudia Custodio Martínez, Josep Nualart Corpas
Brazil hosted COP30 this year, and under the leadership of President Lula da Silva it sought to set itself apart from previous COP presidencies and showcase its climate ambitions, even as it continues to back new oil extraction projects within its borders. At the same time, Brazil is one of the key areas of interest... Read More "Brazil’s Green Transition Beyond COP30"
Jason Hickel

Reorganizing Production to Serve Life, Not Profit

Jason Hickel, Don Kalb, Maria Dyveke Styve, Federico Tomasone
Jason Hickel on ecology, capitalism, and socialist strategy in the twenty-first century On 15 May 2025, economic anthropologist, degrowth theorist, and author of popular works such as Less is More Jason Hickel delivered a provocative lectio magistralis as part of the Third Annual GRIP Lecture at the University... Read More "Reorganizing Production to Serve Life, Not Profit"
IMAGO/Belga

An EU Investment Package for Clean Industry?

Uwe Witt
How the European Commission’s so-called “Clean Industrial Deal” fails to live up to its name Is a strategy for climate-friendly industry in Europe really credible if it barely receives any funding and is accompanied by the loosening of already weak sustainability rules for imported goods? The EU Commission must ask... Read More "An EU Investment Package for Clean Industry?"
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