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Europe’s green, digital and demographic transition: a social policy research perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Petmesidou

    (Democritus University, Greece)

  • Ana M. Guillén

    (University of Oviedo, Spain)

Abstract

This article lays out an agenda for researching the social policy challenges facing the EU under the combined impact of a triple transition: green, digital and demographic. It takes as its starting point the double bind confronting the welfare state, pressured by increasing costs and serious socio-ecological concerns on the one hand, and the need, more daunting than ever, for protection against a vast array of imminent socio-economic, demographic and environmental risks, on the other. Against this background, it explores the complex web of synergies and trade-offs between the three transitions, examines the disjointed manner in which EU social policy has so far developed, and demonstrates the controversial stance of the EU’s overarching strategic framework – the European Green Deal – on the issue of a socially just transition. It also maps key research foci and gaps deserving further study, including the role of key players in the transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Petmesidou & Ana M. Guillén, 2022. "Europe’s green, digital and demographic transition: a social policy research perspective," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 28(3), pages 317-332, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:28:y:2022:i:3:p:317-332
    DOI: 10.1177/10242589221107498
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Dunja Krause & Dimitris Stevis & Katja Hujo & Edouard Morena, 2022. "Just transitions for a new eco-social contract: analysing the relations between welfare regimes and transition pathways," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 28(3), pages 367-382, August.
    2. Béla Galgóczi & Philippe Pochet, 2022. "Introduction. Welfare states confronted by the challenges of climate change: a short review of the issues and possible impacts," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 28(3), pages 307-316, August.

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