Day of Progressive Economic Policy 2026

Welcome

with Sabine Fandrych, Secretary General of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

Moderation: Maike Rademaker, Freelance Journalist and Carmen Giovanazzi, Publishing Director at Brumaire Verlag

Global Economy in Turmoil and Prospects for Europe

Interview

Adam Posen, President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics

Discussion

Matthias Ecke, Member of the European Parliament

Anke Hassel, Professor of Public Policy at Hertie School

Adam Posen, President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics

The Future of the Welfare State

Discussion

Yasmin Fahimi, Chairwomen of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB)

Maurice Höfgen, Economist, Author and YouTuber

Tim Klüssendorf, Member of the German Bundestag and Secretary General of the SPD 

Parallel Forums

Forum I

Defining Competitiveness

• László Andor, Secretary General at the Foundation for European Progressive Studies and Senior Fellow at the Hertie School
• Nadia Garbellini, Professor of Political Economy at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
• Patrick Kaczmarczyk, Center for Transformation Research at the University of Mannheim
• Martin Porter, Executive Chair at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership in Brussels

Since Mario Draghi presented his report on European competitiveness, his recommendations have shaped the Commission’s agenda—yet the term remains vague. Rather than outperforming external rivals, Draghi equates competitiveness with productivity, while the previous Commission stressed “competitive sustainability.” The concept is also used to justify deregulation and European champions. A clearer definition of competitiveness and EU industrial policy goals is needed.
 

Forum II

Climate Leader or Follower? EU Climate Policy at the Crossroads

• Linda Kalcher, Executive Director of Strategic Perspectives
• Sonja Thielges, Research Associate at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in the Research Cluster Climate Policy and Politics

Moderation: Yvonne Blos, Desk Officer for Global Cooperation and Climate Justice at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

The EU sees itself as a climate leader, yet its climate and industrial policy remains heavily shaped by the United States. Trump 2.0 deepens the dilemma: how can ambitious goals be maintained if its key partner becomes unreliable? Can the EU assume an independent leadership role—or will it continue to follow US political cycles? And can it keep pace with China’s electrification strategy?
 

Forum III

Defence Spending – Militarily Necessary and Economically Smart?

• Sebastian Dullien, Research Directorat the Macroeconomic Policy Institute
• Ulrike Franke, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations
• Clara E. Mattei, Professor of Economics at the University of Tulsa and award winner of the Hans-Matthöfer-Prize

Moderation: Lukas Scholle, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Surplus magazine and managing partner of Brumaire Verlag

The EU plans to raise defence spending sharply, with many member states following. Germany intends to devote over a quarter of its federal budget to military defence by 2029—more than to infrastructure and climate action, largely debt-financed. This shift lacks broad public debate. While civilian investment follows identified needs, military spending is driven mainly by political targets such as NATO goals—calling for a fact-based debate.

Parallel Forums

Forum IV

Innovation without Risk? Germany’s Innovation Policy under Scrutiny

• Neil Lee, Professor of Economic Geography at The London School of Economics and Political Science
• Armand Zorn, Member of the German Bundestag and Deputy Chair of the SPD Parliamentary Group

The EU plans to raise defence spending sharply, with many member states following. Germany intends to devote over a quarter of its federal budget to military defence by 2029—more than to infrastructure and climate action, largely debt-financed. This shift lacks broad public debate. While civilian investment follows identified needs, military spending is driven mainly by political targets such as NATO goals—calling for a fact-based debate.
 

Forum V

Constraints or Political Ambition? How progressive is fiscal policy?

• Frauke Heiligenstadt, Member of the German Bundestag and Spokesperson for Financial Policy for the SPD Parliamentary Group
• Julia Jirmann, Advisor for tax law and tax policy at the Tax Justice Network Germany
• Stefan Körzell, Member of the Executive Board of the German Trade Union Confederation
• Achim Truger, Member of the German Council of Economic Experts

Moderation: Carl Mühlbach, Managing Director of Fiscal Future

Shortly after taking office, the new federal government decided on corporate tax cuts of historic proportions. Meanwhile, tangible relief for low and middle incomes is still pending, and the welfare state has shifted into reverse gear. Can we still expect this government to pursue a progressive fiscal policy, and what would be the prerequisites for this?
 

Forum VI

Protect, Cooperate, Deliver – Europe’s Path to Resilient Value Chains

• Serwah Prempeh, Head of the Just Green Technology Transition Programme at the Africa Policy Research Institute
• Sebastian Roloff, Member of the German Bundestag and Economic Policy Spokesperson for the SPD Parliamentary Group

Moderation: Claudia Detsch, Director of FES Competence Centre Climate and Social Justice

Europe must become more resilient and reduce its vulnerability to economic pressure. Strengthening its industrial base and scaling up clean technologies are key steps. At the same time, it needs robust and credible partnerships. Rhetoric about “partnerships on equal terms” is not enough—what is required are concrete offers, real investments, and shared value creation. How can Europe balance internal protection with fair cooperation abroad?

Closing Panel

Thinking Economics forward – A Progressive Economic Agenda

Welcome by

Martin Schulz, President of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

Keynote Speech by

Lars Klingbeil, Federal Minister of Finance, Vice-Chancellor of Germany and Chairman of the SPD

concluding discussion with

Francesca Bria, Honorary Professor at the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose at University College London and Board Member of the European Innovation Council

Maja Göpel, Political Economist, Transformation Researcher and Sustanability Expert

Lars Klingbeil, Federal Minister of Finance, Vice-Chancellor of Germany and Chairman of the SPD

Wrap-up and Outlook