This page uses cookies
These Cookies are necessary
Data to improve the website with tracking (Matomo).
These are cookies that come from external sites and services, e.g. Youtube or Vimeo.
Enter your username and password here in order to log in on the website
Uncertain global economic conditions, an industry in structural crisis and a continuing economic slump. The challenges for economic policy will remain considerable for the coming legislation. Other major challenges facing German and European policymakers include the urgent need for climate protection that works for everyone tackling rampant inequality.
But instead of bold economic policy ideas that are fit for the future, all over the world economic policy ideas from a bygone era are being brought back from the dead, putting workers, economic competitiveness and even the planet itself at risk.
Instead of looking backwards and peddling discredited dogma we are focused on progressive strategies. We need bold decisions and investments in our future. Instead of laying waste to the welfare state we will discuss a just finance policy able to guarantee our future. Instead of playing off our social achievements against the competitiveness of the European economy we’re looking for ways of ensuring decent jobs and boosting productivity, together with our partners in Europe and the world. With them we want to think economics forward.
Please note: You can find a recording of the event (German only) here.
Find the recording here (German only).
If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to
wirtschaftspolitik(at)fes.de
The award ceremony can be followed in the livestream (German only) on this website without registration.Attendance is only possible upon personal invitation.
Check-in
Welcome remarks by Martin Schulz, Chairman of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
Moderation: Jens Tönnesmann, DIE ZEIT and Maike Rademaker, Freelance Journalist
Festive speech by Jörg Kukies, Minister of Finance
Book award: "Gutes Geld: Wege zu einer gerechten und nachhaltigen Gesellschaft" ("Good Money: Paths towards a Just and Sustainable Society")
Short presentation of core theses by author Philippa Sigl-Glöckner
Laudation by jury member Brigitte Preissl
Media award: Makronom
Short presentation of the core objectives by the editor Philipp Stachelsky
Laudation by jury member Peter Bofinger
Ceremonial awarding of the certificates
Networking Reception for Invited Guests
The programme of the main stage can be followed in the livestream (German only) on this website without registration.
Welcome
with Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute and former Italian Prime Minister
with
Break
Transition to the forums
Start of the parallel forums:
Livestream
Moderation: Carl Mühlbach, Managing Director of Fiscal Future
After decades, the model of the Swabian housewife has severely damaged public services and infrastructure and thus directly and indirectly significantly increased the cost of living for the hard-working middle class. How can the prosperity of all people be increased? Through tax cuts across the board and thus a further withdrawal of the state from public services? Or is a massive public investment campaign and sustainable financing of public services necessary? What are the priorities of a social fiscal policy on the expenditure side? What are the cornerstones of a progressive tax policy? What role should credit financing play?
Moderation: Anna Kolesnichenko, Economic Policy Analyst at the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS)
The last years were haunted by persistent inflationary pressures. The coming years might be no different: carbonflation, climateflation, tariffs, investment demand, LNG prices—and the list of drivers does not stop there. Given the damage inflation can do to economic stability and trust in democratic institutions, we want to discuss how to deal with continuing price volatility in a critical phase of the world economy's transition to net zero.
Moderation: Susan Javad, Desk Officer for Labour, Qualification and Co-Determination at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Despite a slowing economy and increasing announcements of job cuts in the manufacturing sector, the German labour market has remained broadly robust. The main reason for this is the ongoing demographic crisis, which is already creating noticeable gaps in the workforce - particularly in the skilled trades, public administration and, most importantly, in the sectors of healthcare, childcare as well as in the sector of care for the elderly.
However, not all vacancies will need to be filled by human labour. With digitalisation and advances in AI, many tasks traditionally performed by skilled workers could now be automated. At present, it appears that jobs requiring intermediate and higher skills will be most affected by these changes. Meanwhile, the socio-ecological transformation is creating new demands in different areas, further reshaping the labour market. As a result, education and training are becoming increasingly important.
What economic and labour market trends can we expect in the coming years? How will they affect wages and salaries? What changes will this bring for trade unions representing workers? How can policymakers ensure that there will be enough skilled workers to meet future labour market needs? And what are the responsibilities of employers and companies in shaping this transition?
Lunch break
Transition to further forums
Moderation: Carmen Giovanazzi, Doctoral Candidate at the University of Duisburg-Essen
The studies speak for themselves: the socio-ecological transformation of our economy requires a massive increase in investment. The role of the state in future investment policy is controversial. The dominant public narrative is that it is primarily the private sector that needs to make the majority of investments. In particular, the state should create favourable framework conditions for private investment and leverage, incentivize and mobilize private capital through clever financial instruments. It is also increasingly looking to join forces with the financial market: private institutional capital is to be redirected in such a way that it serves the transformation.
Moderation: Julia Bläsius, Head of Political Consulting Department at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
The demographic changes in Germany are putting increasing strain on the welfare state. Public debates about unemployment benefits and the steady rise in social security contributions lead to the impression that welfare cuts are inevitable. Yet poverty and social exclusion in Germany remain disproportionately high given the country's wealth.
What is the role of the welfare state in stabilising the economy and democracy? What forms of inequality persist and can social security systems address them without undermining their protective function? Could higher income groups contribute more to social security? What measures can ensure equal opportunities and participation throughout life? And what would a sustainable welfare state look like - one that actively strengthens gender equalities?
Moderation: Katja Müller, Head of HR Transformation at Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG (LEAG)
The German economy is stagnating—at least in Western Germany. In East Germany, however, growth appears to be possible even after the pandemic and the energy crisis. Could East Germany become the powerhouse of the German economy?
Cities like Dresden, Leipzig, and Jena are evolving into dynamic innovation hubs, attracting skilled workers and investments. In the Berlin metropolitan area, the economic boom driven by major projects such as Tesla is having far-reaching effects. Other regions, particularly rural areas, continue to face structural challenges. Key issues like a shortage of skilled workers, population decline, and demographic change threaten economic resilience, especially in the context of the green transition.
What is driving the powerhouse East Germany? What factors are supporting its economic upswing? And how can the economic successes achieved there be translated to structurally weaker areas to sustainably reduce regional disparities across Germany?
Coffee break
Keynote by
concluding discussion with
with Maria João Rodrigues, President of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS)
Coffee, cookies and economics: Continuation of the discussion in an informal setting
Closing
The entire recording of the Day of Progressive Economic Policy on April 9, 2025 in Berlin can be found in this video (German only).
A recording of the Hans Matthöfer Prize ceremony on April 8, 2025 can be found here.
If you have any questions concerning a barrier-free participation in the event, please contact us.wirtschaftspolitik(at)fes.de
Venue:
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Building 1, Hiroshimastraße 17 Building 2, Hiroshimastraße 28 10785 Berlin
Press Enquiries:
Johannes Damian030 269 35-7038Presse(at)fes.de
