Mikael Leyi

What are the possibilities of a Social Europe?

Future challenges to our welfare systems and the promise of a just transition towards social rights

The key note address will look at the origins of the idea of a Social Europe, its expression through the adoption of the European Pillar of Social Rights and current state, the role of European level civil society and trade unions in these process as well as present and future challenges in times of social, environmental, climate, economic, and health crises with war once again ravaging Europe, and in what ways an holistic approach to just transition offers potential solutions for both people and planet.

Mikael Leyi is the Secretary General of SOLIDAR, a European network of more than 50 progressive civil society organisations working to advance social justice through a just transition in Europe and worldwide. A Political Scientist, with experience from working in five continents with European and international organisations of the trade union and popular education movements, as well as in collaboration with the institutions of the EU, OSCE and the UN. His work has centred on supporting democracy, human rights, social justice, sustainability, citizens’ participation, inclusion and equality, peace, and dialogue. Mikael Leyi has an in-depth knowledge of progressive policy and organising, civil society, international development cooperation, and EU policy, political developments, and negotiations.