Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) – Shaping Social Democracy

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has been active in Italy since 1973.

The FES Italy has three interrelated strategic functions in the German-Italian dialog, which is conducted from a European perspective:

Information and analysis

By means of numerous analyses, briefing papers, expert reports and studies, the FES Italy provides a wide range of information on current political, economic and social developments in Italy.

Networking and interdependence

FES Italy aims to bring decision-makers from politics, trade unions, academia and civil society in both countries into dialog, to bring them together and to network them.

Discourse and dialog

Information and analysis as well as networking and integration are important prerequisites for a results-oriented discourse and international dialog between Germany and Italy, which is conducted from a European perspective. With its measures (in the form of conferences, seminars, forums, dialogue programs, background discussions, etc.), the FES Italy facilitates an understanding of the respective positions with the aim of developing common positions in central policy areas.

Democracy and participation in Italy

Italy and its democracy never disappoint: if you want to know what might happen politically in Europe or the Western world tomorrow, you can't help but take a look at the situation in Italy. Fascism, Berlusconism, far-right populism, movements and online democracy are just a few examples that make Italy a real political laboratory. A laboratory that often produces novelties, sudden changes of course and coalitions of opposing partners.

In this complex context, the Italian office of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung sees itself not only as a link between social democratically organised parties, but also wants to have a deep impact on society and the different regional realities. Together with partners from politics, the trade union movement and wider society who share our understanding of democracy, justice and equal participation, we create spaces for new debates and discourse.

The projects that are currently at the centre of our efforts include the protection of democracy in all its forms, the promotion of freedom of information, gender equality, attention to growing socio-economic inequality and a special commitment to countering the creeping normalisation of right-wing extremists.

To counter these developments with progressive ideas, we support campaigns, events and publications together with political partners and activists from Italian civil society.

Security and peace in Europe

A strong, united and peaceful European Union is the basis for peace, prosperity and stability across the entire continent. Especially in times of global crises, such as the pandemic or Russia's war against Ukraine, it becomes clear how important it is for Europe to stick together and support each other. Italy, as one of the founding members of the European Union, plays a decisive role here.

Since the founding of the EU, Italy and Germany have worked closely together to deepen European integration. Even though the EU is of central importance to both countries in terms of security and prosperity, different ideas of a common Europe have crystallised during the financial crisis, the refugee crisis and increasingly since Giorgia Meloni came to power.

For social democracy, a strong Europe is one that promotes dialogue and cooperation. A Europe in which democracy and the rule of law are promoted and human rights are upheld at all costs. A Europe in which wealth and income are distributed fairly and the economy works for people in harmony with the environment and not against them. A secure and peaceful Europe based on cooperation and collaboration.

The coming decades will be characterised by increasing tensions between Europe as a security player on the one hand and an economically significant player on the other. The emerging confrontations between the USA and China can only mean that Europe will have to move closer together, develop and defend common positions and thus advance European integration.

Against this background, the FES in Italy is endeavouring to intensify dialogue in order to create an understanding of the respective points of view and, on this basis, to develop common positions to strengthen the EU, the eurozone and relations with Italy.

Socio-ecological transformation

The economy, and with it people's working realities, will change radically over the next few years in Europe and worldwide. Advancing digitalisation, the increased use of artificial intelligence and the absolutely necessary abandonment of fossil fuels will cause the world of work to experience a revolutionary upheaval.

Germany and Italy are the two most important industrial producers in the EU and the eurozone. Their industries are also closely interlinked. In both countries, however, the future of prospering industries is by no means assured. In addition to the structural challenges of digitalisation and AI, there is the task of responding adequately to the climate crisis with an ecological turnaround in energy policy. The main aim here must be to develop solutions that turn technological change into a resource rather than a threat for working people. Against this background, the FES Rome office is supporting an intensive dialogue between the CGIL and DGB trade union confederations with the aim of working out joint answers and actively orienting the economic, industrial and social policy discourse in Germany and Italy as well as in the EU on this basis.

We also work together with sustainability organisations to ensure socially just and safe working and living conditions in the coming decades through events, exchange formats and research projects.