Our colleague Pavol Bors (Institute of Public Policy, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University Bratislava) took part in two closely interconnected events of the ECOWELFARE – Sustainable Welfare and Eco-Social Policy Network for PhD candidates, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, held from 7 to 11 September 2026 in Brussels.

He attended the Third Eco-Welfare Summer School, organised by ETUI and the ECOWELFARE Network, as well as the first ECOWELFARE Network Conference, co-organised by Université Libre de Bruxelles and ETUI.

The Summer School, held from 7 to 9 September, focused on welfare states in sustainability transformation - particularly the tensions between ecological and social objectives, emerging inequalities and redistribution, and the changing future of work, worker organisations, and democracy. It also provided PhD candidates and early-career researchers with an opportunity to discuss their research with international experts and peers.

The ECOWELFARE Network Conference, held from 9 to 11 September, broadened these discussions through academic and policy-oriented sessions.

The programme addressed issues ranging from (un)just transitions, distributional consequences of climate policies, and public support, to eco-social risks and workers' vulnerability, policy integration and institutional change, the role of the state, EU governance, affordability, and post-growth approaches.

A particularly important dimension was the dialogue between research and practice, including discussions on how research can better contribute to policy implementation.

These events were valuable opportunities to exchange research, connect different perspectives, and reflect on how social welfare, labour policy, and environmental sustainability can be brought together in a just transition.

#CELSI #ECOWELFARE #JustTransition #EcoSocialPolicy #WelfareState #FutureOfWork #Sustainability #PostGrowth #ETUI #Brussels