Publications

Women play a vital role in wartime, where they not only bear significant personal burdens but also contribute to the resilience and recovery of society. In Ukraine, mothers in poverty, and especially single mothers and families with children, face aggravated challenges due to war. Before the Russian invasion in 2022, they were already affected by poverty and limited government support, and the war has further worsened this situation, especially for internally displaced persons. Women also face disproportionate care responsibilities and struggle under the pressure of stigma and insufficient resources. This policy brief examines the economic, social and emotional struggles of these mothers and highlights the need for inclusive policies that support them in Ukraine's recovery process.

Education is an essential right under the Ukrainian constitution and plays a crucial role in the development of society. In 2017, Ukraine introduced the New Ukrainian School (NUS) reform to modernise the education system, focusing on learner-centred approaches and an up-to-date curriculum. However, with the ongoing war, many education systems are under pressure, especially in occupied territories, where Russian education policies are trying to undermine Ukrainian identity. This policy paper emphasises the importance of education, both in meeting immediate needs during the war and in laying the foundation for Ukraine's future, including post-war reconstruction and modernisation of the education system.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has severely affected the country's healthcare system, further exacerbating already existing problems such as underfunding, capacity and staff shortages. This policy paper highlights the need for targeted reforms and strategic allocation of resources to improve the resilience and accessibility of the healthcare system. Rebuilding Ukraine's healthcare system requires a comprehensive approach that not only addresses short-term needs but also provides sustainable, long-term solutions. The paper examines the challenges of these reforms, with a specific focus on the role of international donors, civil society organisations and trade unions, and offers recommendations for a successful and resilient rebuilding of Ukraine's healthcare infrastructure.

Ukraine lacks progress in implementing social dialogue mechanisms, which are essential to the European social model. The functioning of the tripartite body, in which trade unions, employers' organisations and the government work together, is not effective in practice. The involvement of social partners in labour law reform is insufficient, raising concerns for the future of social dialogue in Ukraine. Urgent political pressure is needed, both from the European Commission and from member states, to better involve trade unions and employers' organisations in labour law reform. This is crucial for Ukraine's reconstruction and for ensuring labour rights according to European and international standards.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has exacerbated already existing problems in the Ukrainian housing sector and created new inequalities. The war resulted in significant damage to the housing stock, especially in the eastern part of the country, and caused a huge increase in the number of IDPs. Current housing legislation appears unable to respond quickly and effectively to the urgent needs of the affected population. This policy note highlights the urgency of a fundamental change in housing policy, with proposals for the creation of a National Housing Agency, housing finance reforms and legislative revisions to create a more sustainable and equitable housing supply for the Ukrainian population, especially for economically vulnerable groups.

In 2022, the Ukrainian government presented its first vision for post-war reconstruction, which was further refined at Recovery Conferences in London and Berlin in 2023 and 2024. This policy study analyses the emerging welfare model in Ukraine and highlights the opportunity to transform the economy and labour legislation in the context of post-war reconstruction. By examining recovery plans, recently adopted legislation and statements by government officials, the study assesses social policy developments and seeks to spark a wider public debate on the future of social policy in Ukraine. The study highlights the importance of focusing on social policy and offers key recommendations for a more equitable and sustainable recovery.

The Russian Federation's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 had a catastrophic effect on Ukrainian youth. As a result, young Ukrainians are emerging as a key target group for public policy once the post-war recovery process begins. This policy study highlights the importance of viewing young people positively as active stakeholders who themselves need to be involved in recovery and transformation of Ukraine.

In this analysis, Alonso Escamilla highlights the importance of recognising Ukrainian youth as active stakeholders in the transformation and post-war recovery of their country. The study offers valuable insights from successful post-war recovery practices while urging relevant stakeholders to tailor these measures to their specific profiles, regions and situations.

Escamilla draws attention to the importance of social and psychological well-being, vocational education and social security and presents a holistic framework for successful youth reintegration. The approach outlined advocates data-driven policy-making, prioritising inclusiveness and encouraging community-based recovery efforts.

Russia's aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 shocked the world and brought great devastation and trauma. The war continues in 2023, marked by an unruly Ukraine, which is courageously and energetically fighting for its sovereignty, rule of law and self-determination. Western forces, with the European Union at the forefront, play an important role in military, financial and humanitarian support for Ukraine. In the short term, this support helps Ukraine fight against Russian aggression - in the long term, it aims at international cooperation, peace, and a possible accession of Ukraine to the European Union and NATO. But what are the big long-term issues for Ukraine's democratic and economic reforms on its way to the EU? How can progressive forces in Ukraine and internationally be combined for a social and fair reconstruction in the coming years?

In cooperation with a number of international social democratic foundations including the FMS, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies therefore published the book "Europe and the War in Ukraine, from Russian Aggression to a New Eastern Policy". In it, the above questions are discussed, focusing on key issues surrounding the war of aggression against Ukraine from a social democratic and progressive perspective.

Read the preview here. Buy the full book this page.

In cooperation with the FMS, Amicus Europae, FJJ, Karl-Renner-Institut, FES Ukraine, and the Kalevi Sorsa Foundation, the European social democratic think tank Foundation of European Progressive Studies (FEPS) conducted a policy study on Ukraine's EU candidate membership. It concludes that social, progressive policies are crucial for Ukraine's development towards possible EU membership. The EU itself will have to set out a new vision for enlargement policy to meet Ukraine's ambitions and the changing needs of its eastern neighbours. The study contains a number of recommendations with a view to the EU's future relations with Ukraine.

Climate change is perhaps the biggest challenge we face in the world today. People everywhere are struggling with its devastating effects, and Africa is one of the hardest hit regions. And yet, the most important decisions regarding climate action are often made by those who do not feel the biggest impact of the climate crisis and who generally have better capabilities to deal with the problems at hand. Especially for African countries, this makes the road to a climate-just transition long and winding.

In the framework of our Deepening Democracy in EU Neighbourhood project, we organised training seminars in 9 countries over the course of 2018 and 2019: Tunisia, Morocco and Lebanon in the MENA region, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia Herzegovina in SEE region and Armenia, Belarus and Ukraine in Eastern Europe and Southern Caucasus. The trainings were tailor-made for each country, but in general focused on the key topics of inclusive politics, youth participation and human rights. The present publication summarises the outcomes of those trainings, with contributions on those subject by our local partners in each country

In the aftermath of the large increase of, mainly, Syrian refugees into Europe in the summer of 2015, migration became one of the key topics in European Union politics. Irregular migration became intertwined with the issue of refugees, and the EU started to focus on tackling the root causes of migration. This study focuses on these responses. Are they effective and sufficient, and if not, what can be done to improve EU migration policies? It is crucial to include African perspectives in this debate. African stakeholders know what is happening on the ground and what is necessary to implement effective policies or improve failing ones. This study contributes to the discussion with several progressive policy recommendations that do include these African perspectives. Only with fair policies can Europe be an equal partner to Africa.

Much has happened in the Eastern Partnership countries in the past 5-10 years. An analysis of their democratic (and social democratic) development that we had made over the course of several visits in 2011 and 2012 has thus become outdated. We thus decided to revisit five Eastern Partnership countries to take a closer look at that development, and propose a much-needed re-evaluated approach to the region for the EU and European social democrats.

This year's celebration of 25 years of the European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity (EFDS) was the motive to produce a short history of the organisation written by Jan Marinus Wiersma, former Vice President of the PES (1990-2004) and later of the S&D Group. The European Forum was founded by the Socialist International (SI) in 1993 at the instigation of its former president, Will Brandt. Its main task would be to help identify and further develop social democratic parties and movements (potential future members of the SI) in Central and Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and the countries formerly belonging to the Soviet Union after the collapse of communism. In the publication the most relevant activities of Forum are described and the publication mostly deals with the regions mentioned above. The role of PES, S&D group, FEPS and political foundations are highlighted in different chapters.

We have set out a number of principles that a fair migration policy must meet:
1) Asylum seekers are entitled to a fair procedure
2) No reception of asylum seekers and migrants in camps run by countries with poor human rights records
3) Introduce more forms of legal and regulated migration
4) Stop oversimplifying Africa
5) Work towards a fair relationship towards countries in Africa

At a dinner at the home of Hugo's cousin and State Counsel Paul Koppen, which was also attended by Willem Hendrik de Beaufort and Hugo Röling, the plan was conceived, on the occasion of the publication of the book, to give attention to Bert Röling's dissenting opinions and his influence on developments in international law by means of a symposium. For Paul Koppen, it was soon clear that the symposium should deal with the topicality of 'Tokyo', the crimes against peace and the progress that has been made in the field of international law since then. But also about the significant role Bert Röling played in 'Tokyo' and Hugo Röling's fascinating stories about it in his book. Shortly afterwards, Paul Koppen fell seriously ill and died on 7 July 2015. Meanwhile, he had asked me to take over to continue shaping the symposium with the others. In cooperation with Willem Hendrik de Beaufort, an initiative group was formed consisting of Michiel Scheltema, Nico Schrijver, Arjen Berkvens (Foundation Max van der Stoel), Hugo Röling and myself. Eventually, the symposium took place on 1 April 2016 in the Gothic Hall of the Council of State. Leading speakers from circles of international criminal and public law and judges contributed with introductions and input to a panel discussion.1 You will find a reflection of this in this booklet.

This publication gathered experts from Western Balkans and the EU aiming to: 1) analyse the transformation of the SEE region in recent years: Is there a setback when it comes to rule of law and fundamental rights? Has the prospect of EU membership led to sustainable progress? Which variables contribute to the fact that some countries perform better than others? 2) analyse the state of social democracy and of the social democratic parties: What is the state of social democracy in the region? What has been the role of social democratic parties in reforming and modernising their countries? How did these parties develop over the years (also with regard to internal party democracy and party fragmentation)? How do they function? Are they an engine for societal change and sustainable development? Are they a credible alternative to nationalist and populist forces? 3) analyse the role of external actors in the SEE region: What has been the role of the EU? Does it lack a comprehensive strategy towards the region with regard to democracy and the rule of law? What has been the role of European social democrats and political foundations?

Social democratic political parties in Europe are increasingly challenged in their role as actors and engines of economic and societal change. Globalisation, the rise of populism and nationalism, the increasing influence of multinationals and financial markets on the decision-making process and political fragmentation have all contributed to an image of mainstream political parties as rigid, old and unable to effectively relate to or represent the voices and interests of citizens. The goal of this manual is to offer social democratic parties and party members tools to discuss different challenges within their parties and to (re)connect with social movements. The overall objective is to bridge the gap between citizens and political parties, so that social democratic parties can work with citizens to improve the world we live in. We used the examples and input that was given by more than 300 participants from 14 countries in the series of seminars and trainings in 2016-2017. This manual is a result of yet another successful multi-annual cooperation between Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), the progressive European think tank and the FMS. The author is Anne Graumans et al.

The EU-Africa development relationship is largely based on the Cotonou Agreement, concluded in 2000. In 2020, this treaty expires. What will happen after Cotonou? Where are the opportunities and how can the Dutch development sector contribute to a strong new treaty? This is the focus of the 'Ready for Change' publication 'Beyond Cotonou: European development cooperation after 2020. A perspective for CSOs '. 'Beyond Cotonou', written by Kaleidos Research on behalf of 'Ready for Change', the social initiative of Partos, FMS and Woord en Daad.

On 23 June, the FMS presented its vision on international cooperation. In the memorandum "The Netherlands and the World: sustainable inclusive development offers opportunities for all", we provide answers to the three greatest challenges of our time, namely growing inequality, the threat to a liveable future on our planet due to depletion and climate change, and the failure of our international legal order to guarantee peace and security.

This note was produced with the help of Paul Engel, Arjen Berkvens, Jolein Baidenmann, Peter Heintze and Wouter Kolk.

On Thursday 19 May, Christiaan Rebergen, Director General International Cooperation (DGIS) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received the first official copy of the 'Ready for Change? Global Goals at home and abroad' publication. At the time, this publication was the first comprehensive exploration of what the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have implications for the Netherlands and the European Union. Precisely how can the SDGs serve as a guide to contribute to sustainable development? And how can the Netherlands make all its efforts SDG-proof?

A total of 57 organisations and companies collaborated to create the 'Ready for Change' publication. A unique collaboration! Special thanks go to the Food & Business
Knowledge Platform, KIT, ECDPM, PBL and the African Studies Centre. The publication is edited by Jean Baylock.

The development component is underexposed in the European Mobility Partnership with Cape Verde. The emphasis is on reducing irregular migration, by strengthening border management and customs in third countries. This is a missed opportunity, as regular migration and labour migration can be an actual triple win. A triple win is a situation where both the EU and countries of origin and migrants benefit from policies on migration.

On 23 March 2015, the FMS, together with Partos and Woord en Daad, presented the report 'Let's Walk the Talk Together: the state of policy coherence for development'. The report examines the current impact of Dutch and European policies on taxation, corporate social responsibility, migration, food security, peace and security, climate change and trade agreements. It sharply shows the intended and unintended effects of Dutch and EU policies on developing countries, but also makes recommendations for the future. Minister Ploumen for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation received the report.

In addition to FMS, Partos and Woord en Daad, ECDPM, DIE, Tax Justice Netherlands, Both ENDS, Icco, MVO Platform, Cordaid, Hivos, ActionAid and Wemos also contributed to the production of this report.

There are growing concerns about the state of representative democracy in both Eastern and Western Europe. Whether it is the rise of populism, the increase of illiberal tendencies or the expression of outright anti-democratic sentiments, the number of threats is growing. This is all the more alarming since the origins of democracy can be found in our continent. The changes have an (negative) impact on the European integration process as such and on support for EU enlargement. The articles of this book, written by young progressive academics, offer a broad perspective on democratic shortcomings and potential solutions. They make clear that although the post communist countries have followed a different trajectory, their (disillusioned) electorates have much in common.

The publication has been edited by Jan Marinus Wiersma.

Biofuels produced from food crops are an important part of European renewable energy targets. The FMS study shows that there is a clear link between European policies on the one hand and abuses by European biofuel companies in Tanzania on the other.

In 1993 the European Union took the decision to open its doors to the new democracies of Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe. Eight of them joined in 2004 and two more in 2007. However, the most ambitious European project ever has yet to be concluded. This book examines the state of play anno 2012. What have we learned from earlier accessions and how does this affect the perspectives of the remaining (potential) candidate countries? What explains the much stricter conditionality of the EU and what is the role of public opinion? Why is the situation with regard to the Western Balkans and Turkey more complex? What is necessary to successfully realise the commitments made by the EU to the countries that aspire to become members? This book offers a progressive view on the enlargement process based on the conviction that without the courageous decision of the Copenhagen summit of 1993 Europe would be worse off.

Edited by Jan Marinus Wiersma, Ernst Stetter and Hannes Swoboda.

Rwanda is mainly a transit country of minerals such as coltan from neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and not a major producer of them itself. The country has been working to curb mineral smuggling since the introduction of US anti-conflict minerals legislation. The report reads about the Rwandan mining sector, Rwanda's role in mineral smuggling from Congo, and abuses in artisanal mining (non-industrial mining, as pictured below). The European Union's role in this is specifically highlighted. Here, European trade policy is shown to undermine Rwandan industrialisation and value addition. Rwanda and other developing countries continue to act as exporters of raw materials instead of adding value to them, thus generating more economic activity. Many countries in Africa are full of mineral resources but still benefit far too little from them. The European Union can make a positive contribution here, but still does so too little.

In 2010 and 2011 the European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity, together with other partners like the Party of European Socialists (PES) and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D Group), organised three thematic conferences in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia. At those conferences representatives of political parties, the civil society and the academic world discussed with European colleagues the historic development of democracy and of social democracy as well as the current situation in their respective countries. This publication presents the results, findings and conclusions of those conferences.

Edited by Marina Ohanjanyan and Jan Marinus Wiersma.

In 2010, FMS researcher Sarah Hardus went to Ghana for a fortnight to investigate the impact of three European policies on the country, namely migration, illegal logging and trade (the Economic Partnership Agreements). You can find the full research report 'Ghana's Traders, Lumberjacks and Fortune Hunters' here.