Green European Journal

Trump’s imperial ambitions are forcing the EU to rethink its global position. And European far-right parties, swollen on fears of diminishing world power, are paradoxically flogging the ethnic nation as a place of shelter. But finding unity in scapegoating migrants blatantly fails to recognize the need for a common purpose in times of worldwide uncertainty.

Plans to exploit Serbia’s lithium, seemingly shelved two years ago, are back on the table. Germany and the EU appear willing to overlook president Aleksandar Vučić’s abuses of power to access the precious metal. Will their double-standards collaboration with Serbia’s right-wing government undermine citizen trust in EU accession?

US senator Bernie Sanders and UK Green peer Natalie Bennett – both authors of new books on progressive politics – address capitalism’s failings, work precarity and climate change in their respective countries, where power resembles oligarchy and aristocracy – neither predisposed to convincing democracy.

The first win in Germany’s state elections since the Nazi era, gains in European Parliament, another bid for power in France and new UK seats – the far right has seemingly raised its game this year to make political advances. How should progressives interpret extremist voting to counter dissatisfaction?