Just Europe Podcast

Just Europe is a podcast series that takes a closer look at the challenges we face on the path towards a fair and inclusive Europe that strives to leave no-one behind as we decarbonise, modernise and digitise our economies.

Just Europe brings you open and honest conversations about how research, innovation and policymaking are helping people benefit from the opportunities of this transformation – whether through education and training, managing change together or regenerating disadvantaged communities and regions.

The series is also looking to identify new ideas and research needs to support people, strengthen our social model and ensure a just transition for all.

Episode 1 - Left behind: fact or feeling?

This first podcast examines the challenge for policymakers at all levels – European, national, regional and local – of addressing European citizens’ concerns that they and their communities may not benefit from economic, social and technological change.

We look at this question from various perspectives with guests including:

Lars Katzmarek, a German policymaker and rapper chronicling the challenges facing his home state of Brandenburg
researchers James Scott and Žarko Šunderić, both participants in research projects looking at the concept of leftbehindedness from different angles
Judit Carreras, director of Spain’s Just Transition Institute, who shares with us her country’s pioneering work to ensure that policymaking for the future leaves no-one in the past

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Episode 2 - Union of Skills: game on!

Our second episode in this series is ‘Union of Skills: game on!’ – a plan to improve high-quality education, training, and lifelong learning to help workers respond to changes in the economy and stay competitive in the labour market.

The Union of Skills also aims to bridge the gaps in skills that are hindering European competitiveness.

The episode is built around the recent European Employment and Social Rights Forum, which featured a demonstration by the EU-supported Megaskills project, demonstrating how gaming can help people of any age to develop soft skills – such as problem-solving, resource management and critical thinking – that employers are increasingly looking for.

Our guests include:

Afonso Araujo, a partner in the EU Megaskills project
Sergio Alloza, psychologist and researcher
Jan Holý, Diana Voutyrakou and Miruna-Ioana Sandor, European Social Forum youth dialogue participants
Professor Katriona O’Sullivan, digital skills expert
Mario Nava, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts