Documents Kellermann, Christian 8 results

"The development of a European economic and social model poses serious challenges for European trade unions. On the one hand, demand for a strengthening of the social dimension of the European integration project is growing and it is realised that this cannot be achieved by unilateral action at the national level. On the other hand, the identities and organisational capacities of trade unions are deeply embedded in national welfare state institutions, limiting the leeway for a common European social model. This article presents empirical evidence from over 100 interviews with trade union leaders and politicians from 17 EU Member States on trade unions' positions in various policy fields (economic, social and competition policies). The conclusion is that unions should reflect more critically on their embeddedness in national welfare state arrangements in order to move forward together towards the realisation of a Social Europe."

"The recent crisis, created by finance capitalism, has brought us to the economic abyss. The excessive freedom of international markets has rapidly transformed into international panic, with states struggling to rescue and bail out a globalised financial sector. Reform is promised by our leaders, but in governments dominated by financial interests there is little hope of meaningful change.

Decent Capitalism argues for a response that addresses capitalism's systemic tendency towards crisis, a tendency which is completely absent from the mainstream debate. The authors develop a concept of a moderated capitalism that keeps its core strengths intact while reducing its inherent destructive political force in our societies. This book argues that reforming the capitalist system will have to be far more radical than the current political discourse suggests.

Decent Capitalism is a concept and a slogan that will inspire political activists, trade unionists and policy makers to get behind a package of reforms that finally allows the majority to master capitalism."

"Die Corona-Pandemie und die zu ihrer Eindämmung verordneten Einschränkungen der wirtschaftlichen und gesellschaftlichen Aktivitäten haben auch in Deutschland zu einem starken wirtschaftlichen Rückgang geführt. Sie trafen dort zudem auf ein bereits geschwächtes Wachstumsmoment und eine Wirtschaft mit Strukturproblemen und einem beträchtlichen Investitionsdefizit in der Basisund insbesondere digitalen Infrastruktur. In Anbetracht dieser Situation war es möglich, die „Schuldenbremse” auszusetzen, und mit massiven staatlichen Stützungsprogrammen in eine gestärkte Wirtschaftsleistung zu investieren. Obwohl das massive Eingreifen des Staates in der akuten Phase der Krise erhebliche Ressourcen in die Stützung von bestehender (häufig fossil-basierter) Infrastrukturen und Unternehmen lenkte, kann die Fokussierung des Wiederaufbauprogramms auf grüne Technologien und Digitalisierung die in diesen Bereichen dringend erforderlichen Transformationsbemühungen beschleunigen und so strukturellen Defizite des deutschen Wirtschaftssystems abbauen helfen. Breitere Zustimmung findet darüber hinaus die Einsicht, dass es angesichts der enormen Herausforderungen sowohl eines aktiveren und ebenso handlungsfähigen wie -willigen Staates sowie einer koordinierten europäischen Herangehensweise bedarf."

"The corona pandemic and the restrictions imposed on economic and social activities to contain it have led to a sharp economic contraction in Germany as well. Furthermore, they met with an already weakened growth momentum and an economy with structural problems and a considerable investment deficit in basic and especially digital infrastructure. In view of this situation, it was possible to suspend the so-called “debt brake” and to invest in a strengthened economic performance with massive government support programmes. Although the massive state intervention during the acute phase of the crisis directed considerable resources into supporting existing (often fossil-based) infrastructures and companies, focusing the recovery programme on green technologies and digitalisation can accelerate the urgently needed transformation efforts in these areas and thus help to reduce structural deficits in the German economy. There is also widespread agreement that, in view of the enormous challenges, a more active state that is both capable and willing to act is needed, as well as a coordinated European approach."