Publications

We live at a time when almost every election in a major democracy is a momentous one. A time when the liberal global order, the welfare state, economy and even the very foundations of liberal democracy itself often seem to be on the ballot paper.

Our colleagues at the FES Regional Office for International Cooperation in Vienna present the newest edition of the FES Cooperation & Peace flagship project, the Security Radar 2025. The report was presented at the recent Munich Security Conference.

Security Radar 2025 is the fourth edition of a representative public opinion poll first conducted in 2019, then in 2022 and again in 2023 in several countries across the OSCE space. It is a survey capturing citizens’ attitudes on a broad array of foreign and security policy issues. The focus of this year’s edition is once more Russia’s war in Ukraine and the European response.

Ireland stands at a critical juncture as shifting political dynamics and discourse reshape its democratic landscape. This report explores whether far-right rhetoric has begun to influence mainstream political narratives and delves into the perspectives of young Irish men susceptible to reactionary politics, examining their values, frustrations, and openness to such rhetoric. Through comprehensive discourse analysis, ethnographic research, and insights from senior stakeholders, the study sheds light on the factors shaping this evolving landscape and the challenges it presents for Ireland’s democratic discourse.

On October 23, 2024, the FES launched its latest report, “Who Does (Not) Vote in Ireland?”, as part of the Unequal Democracies series. The event was moderated by Anna Kraft, Programme Manager for FES Ireland, and provided an in-depth look at voter turnout in Ireland, illustrating a nuanced picture of non-voting patterns across demographics.

Voting is a crucial factor in a democracy. This paper analyses voter turnout trends in Ireland, particularly focusing on the sharp decrease since the 1990s. Understanding voter participation helps identify key factors contributing to this decline, which are critical for guiding policy reforms.

Ireland has comparatively low collective bargaining coverage in the European Union, making the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages particularly significant. This report reviews the policy and practice on workplace access for trade union representatives in Ireland and contrasts it with approaches in countries like Australia, Germany, Romania, and Sweden.

Ed Arnold (September 2024): The UK-German relationship is a priority for the new UK Government and an additional two Joint Declarations have already been signed since the Labour Party came to power, with negotiations for a bilateral Treaty started. As Russia’s war against Ukraine continues and the Euro-Atlantic security environment deteriorates, the rationale for stronger UK-German cooperation is growing. The scope for a UK-German agreement appears to be wider than just defence and security, to incorporate economic benefits and other shared social challenges. However, an increase in ambition will also increase the risks to delivery and a meaningful relationship.

For our German readers, the Trade Union Monitor Great Britain and Northern Ireland 2024 is now available to read! Follow the link below:

As Europe strides toward a green economy, green hydrogen is set to revolutionize energy systems, particularly in hard-to-electrify sectors. This paper explores Ireland's potential as a green hydrogen hub, leveraging its rich renewable resources to support both domestic needs and European energy security. Highlighting the collaboration between Ireland and Germany, the paper delves into policy frameworks, the existing renewable energy landscape, and the socio-economic benefits of this partnership. By focusing on sustainable energy practices and fostering international cooperation, Ireland and Germany can lead the way in achieving a carbon-neutral future while advancing social justice and economic growth.

Seema Syeda (2023): In mainstream discourse, it is often ›Muslims‹ who are framed as the ›problem‹. However, it is the white supremacist structures of European society, including within progressive spaces, that need to change. The burden of this work must be shouldered by the entire progressive community with an emphasis on continuous training and educating about Islamophobia, racism, and colonialism and how these issues manifest on a structural and individual level. Muslim empowerment must also be prioritised by creating spaces for Muslim-led self-organising – recognising the many different intersectional identities that exist within Muslim communities.