2024 has been a year of upheaval and awakening, marked by climate disasters, rising inequality, and a geopolitical landscape in turmoil. From the ongoing war in Ukraine to the genocide in Palestine and widespread protests across Europe, it's been a tough year for many. Meanwhile, political paralysis and a sense that decisions about our future are being made behind closed doors have left citizens feeling powerless. In this live conversation, Yanis Varoufakis and Srećko Horvat, together with host Mehran Khalili, will reflect on the defining moments of 2024, and look ahead to 2025. And we'll be asking: How can we build a Europe that works for everyone, not just the powerful few? And how can we ensure that 2025 becomes a turning point for democracy, peace, and justice everywhere?
In this discussion, Tiare Gatti Mora interviews Craig Gent, writer, editor, and researcher, and a director at Novara Media. They dive into the urgent themes of Gent’s latest book, Cyberboss — examining the rise of algorithmic management, the growing insecurity of workers, and the shifting role of labour unions in the face of technological control. Together, they explore how digital systems are undermining worker autonomy and fueling dissatisfaction, while navigating the complex politics within unions today. This is a must-watch for anyone concerned with the future of work and the fight for labour rights in the digital age.
America is going to the polls in a divisive election which will shape not only its only policies, but also global affairs. Kamala Harris aims to uphold the course of the current administration, while Donald Trump eyes a return that could bring isolationism and a tougher stance on alliances. European leaders are watching closely, as the outcome will shape NATO, trade, and transatlantic security. What are the implications of this election for Europe, the Middle East crisis, and beyond? How might Harris or Trump’s foreign policy reshape global events? And what could their campaigns reveal about America’s future—and the prospects for progressive causes worldwide? Join Yanis Varoufakis, Rania Khalek (Lebanese-American writer, political activist and journalist at Breakthrough News) and our host Mehran Khalili for this important discussion on the future of US politics. Tune in live and share your questions!
EU governments are outdoing each other in introducing tough anti-immigration measures, embracing policies that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Poland is pushing to suspend the right to asylum, Germany has reinstated border controls, and Italy has opened two centres to process asylum seekers outside its borders. Now, EU leaders are considering ramping up deportations, aiming to send desperate people back to their countries of origin. All these measures point in the same direction: a Fortress Europe. Meanwhile, parties pushing for stricter immigration controls are gaining power in several EU countries and making significant strides in elections. And many citizens in host countries, feeling neglected by their governments and suffering from stagnant economic conditions, are increasingly hostile to migrants, seeing them as a burden on public resources and a threat to job security. What’s really driving this new clampdown on migration? What does it mean for the future of Europe’s approach to migration and human rights? And in this current political climate, what should our response be? Join Yanis Varoufakis, Miguel Duarte, Amir Kiyaei, Federico Dolce and Marie-Olivia Badarne as discuss Europe's migration policies and what it means for Europe. Tune in live and share your questions!
As we mark the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, the Israeli government has brought the Middle East to the brink of war. Backed by the West, Israel’s genocide in Gaza continues, and the conflict has expanded to fronts like Lebanon. Israeli actions in Iran and Lebanon have escalated tensions, drawing in Tehran. The humanitarian toll is immense, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed and millions displaced. Yet, despite widespread protests, particularly in Europe, activism has not stopped the war or changed policy. Israel continues with the full support of the US, Germany, and other Western governments. How did we get here? What could a wider war mean for the region and beyond? How should we assess activist strategies moving forward? Join Yanis Varoufakis, Wieland Hoban (Jewish Voice for a Just Peace), Lucas Febraro (BDS), activist and academic Nour Hariri, and more as we discuss the conflict, activism, and the path ahead. Tune in live and share your questions!
In this discussion, Mehran Khalili and political scientist Konstantina Zoehrer dive into the recent far-right electoral success in Austria. They examine the key takeaways for the Left and explore what progressive movements must understand and adapt to in order to counter the rise of the far-right. Join us for a critical conversation on the challenges ahead and how the Left can regroup in the face of these troubling developments.
Once seen as a pillar of stability in Europe, Germany is unravelling. Its economy is in decline, and the far-right AfD recently won a state election, marking a disturbing shift in the political landscape. The country has reintroduced border controls, violating a core EU principle. And its legacy parties continue to slide into authoritarianism, suppressing pro-Palestinian voices at home while supporting Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, a housing crisis and soaring rents are straining German citizens, even as the government spends billions to support the Ukraine war and its foreign policy agenda. How did Germany get here? What does it mean for Europe? And how do we push back? Our panel — as well as a few new members of the team — will be weighing in, taking your questions and more. Join us!
In a quiet vote last Tuesday, EU lawmakers brought in new rules for public spending… which could have a profound effect on millions in Europe. The supposed goal of this overhaul was to make the rules clearer and more investment-friendly, with supporters calling them a necessary step towards economic stability. But critics say the change will force big budget cuts in many EU member states, meaning less money for vital social services and climate action. And, they fear, it will lead Europe back to the dark days of austerity in the 2010s… that decimated living standards for a generation. DiEM25 is running in the European Elections this June, with a very different idea of how EU economic policy should look. In this live discussion, join our own Yanis Varoufakis with our lead candidates and others, to unpack this vital topic… and have your say!
The long repression of pro-Palestinian voices in Germany reached a peak last Friday. German police shut down the Palestine Congress, a vital event to unite activists around a ceasefire for Gaza. They detained participants, including Jewish activists; they deported a Palestinian speaker. And then they banned our own Yanis Varoufakis, not only from making political speeches in Germany, but also from doing so over Zoom (!). These authoritarian moves make it clear: Germany is intent on silencing anyone who speaks out against its complicity in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. So for our livestream this week, Yanis Varoufakis and colleagues who attended the Palestine Congress will be dissecting this brazen act of state repression against Palestinian solidarity. What lessons can we draw? How has the reaction been? And what could all this mean for the future of free speech and pro-Palestine activism in Germany, and around the world?
As Israel’s genocide in Gaza rages on, Germany is leading efforts to silence criticism of Israel's actions. The German government and its institutions have cancelled a stream of cultural events that show solidarity with Palestine, smearing prominent artists and intellectuals – many of them Jewish – as anti-semitic. They’ve intimidated activists and searched their homes. They’ve even made cultural grants – and in the case of one German state, citizenship – contingent on support for Israel. And now, German politicians are trying to ban the Palestine Congress, a vital event planned for the 12-14 April in Berlin, to unite activists for a ceasefire in Gaza. How successful have these clampdowns been in hindering activism for Palestine? What are the underlying factors propelling the authoritarian stance of German politicians, and how does this relate to the country’s Nazi history? And as we move into the European elections, what might this repression mean for Germany, for other countries in Europe, and for the plight of the Palestinian people? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, and Karin De Rigo and Lucas Febraro from Berlin, investigate.
The proxy war in Ukraine between NATO and Russia has come into sharp focus in recent weeks. French President Macron refused to rule out sending troops to Ukraine, provoking a wide backlash. The German leader, Scholz, claimed that British soldiers are already fighting on the battlefield. Putin warned of nuclear war if NATO troops were sent to Ukraine; his leading critic, Navalny, died in a Russian jail. And a report in The New York Times revealed the CIA's decade-long operation of spy bases along Russia’s border. As the US government is poised to deliver its largest military ‘aid’ package yet to support the Ukrainian war effort, and with European nations ramping up their assistance against the backdrop of an impending European election, the implications for Europe and the world loom large. What do these latest developments mean? Is a direct confrontation between nuclear powers unavoidable, or does the possibility for a negotiated peace still exist? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Erik Edman and Federico Dolce, investigates.
This week, we’ll have the final ruling on whether Julian Assange can be extradited to the US, to face a 175-year prison sentence for revealing the secrets of power. The case casts a long shadow over press freedom, signaling what many see as the ultimate demise of journalistic independence. At the same time, the media’s historical role in supporting (selling) conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and its imbalanced coverage of the situation in Gaza, raises pressing questions about the impartiality and integrity of our news sources. While accusations of ‘disinformation’ have become increasingly weaponised to discredit dissent. As we stand on the brink of global conflict, what does all this mean for the future of journalism, democratic discourse, and our understanding of world events? How do these dynamics affect our ability to confront power and make informed decisions as a society? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Karin De Rigo and Federico Dolce, investigates.
Farmers’ protests have erupted across the EU. In Germany, Greece, Italy and other countries, they’re blocking city centres with tractors, spraying manure on government buildings and pelting officials with eggs. Why? Inadequate compensation, high taxes, red tape and the impact of climate regulations. Establishment media have dismissed the protests as the grumblings of a coddled group over unfair competition, and suggested that the rallies are driven by the far-right. But others point out that far-right parties are co-opting farmers’ legitimate concerns: those of ordinary people whose needs are being ignored by elites. What’s really behind these protests? And with the European elections on the horizon, and far-right parties on the rise, what might it all mean? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Karin De Rigo and Federico Dolce, investigates. Join us live and have your say!
An interview with Udi Raz from Jewish Voice for Peace in the Middle East on how the Holocaust impacted the societies and politics of both Germany and Israel January 27 is Holocaust Remembrance Day, a date of enormous symbolic importance in Europe, marking one of the darkest chapters in human history. It's a day of particular significance in Germany, of course. The so-called remembrance culture, Germany's reckoning with the legacy of the Nazi periods, and the industrial scale genocides perpetrated by the Nazi regime, have been much lauded internationally. But today, parts of this culture are increasingly coming into question by many, with charges of antisemitism being used by German institutions to silence voices speaking up for the rights of Palestinians in particular. The targets of these charges are, disproportionately, the Palestinians themselves, Arabs, more broadly, and Jews. On the international stage, meanwhile, Germany's long steadfast support for the State of Israel, which remains unshaken even as the civilian toll in Gaza continues to climb to ever more obscene numbers, has raised the ire of many. The support, of course, is again justified by the legacy of the Holocaust and the German state's resulting sense of responsibility towards the security of the Jewish state. What about Israel itself? How has the memory of the Holocaust shaped Israeli society and how does it influence the Israeli government's words and actions? To discuss all this, DiEM25 Communications Director Lucas Febraro sat down with Udi Raz, a doctoral fellow at the Berlin Graduate School for Muslim Cultures and Societies and a board member of Jewish Voice for Peace in the Middle East, in Germany.
A new front has opened on Israel-Palestine: South Africa confronted Israel with accusations of genocide at the UN’s top court. The submission also called on the court to order the Jewish state to stop its military operations against Palestinians, which have killed more than 23,350 civilians since October 7. The case has already exposed divisions in Europe, with Germany’s unwavering support for Israel standing in stark contrast to statements from officials in Spain, Ireland and Belgium. Could this court case really change the reality for the people of Gaza, or is it just a sideshow as Israel continues its murderous campaign? And what might its outcome mean for Israel’s credibility, for European governments, and for us all? Join Yanis Varoufakis and our team of activists and thinkers as we dive into this topic. Tune in live and share your thoughts and questions with us! SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
In this interview Mehran Khalili talks with Lucas Febraro, DiEM25 Communications Director, about the situation in the Middle east and the information war that's running in parallel with it. #Gaza #Israel #Palestine
It’s that time of year! So in this holiday livestream, we’re switching things up a bit. Join us as we look back on the pivotal moments of 2023. We’ll be predicting what lies ahead, and discussing the implications for anti-establishment activism. It’s not all serious though. We’ll also be sharing our personal holiday season recommendations – and we'd love to hear yours too. Drop your thoughts in the chat and we’ll discuss them live. So pour yourself a favorite beverage and spend some time with Yanis Varoufakis, Karin De Rigo, Lucas Febraro, and the rest of our team as we wind down the old and welcome the new. SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
As the dust settles on COP28, it's time to reflect: did this conference mark a turning point in the global fight against climate change, or was it another chapter in a long story of missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises? In a world where the effects of climate change are disproportionately borne by those least responsible, Europe's role extends beyond its borders, with debates raging over Europe's role and responsibilities in the climate crisis. With new commitments made and old ones scrutinised, we ask the question: Can Europe lead the way towards a sustainable future with climate justice? And, if so, how? Join Yanis Varoufakis and our team of activists and thinkers as we dissect the outcomes of COP28. Tune in live and share your thoughts and questions with us! SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
In this interview, recorded on November 22, Mehran Khalili talks with Lucille Cornelius, DiEM25 member and activist living in Amsterdam, Netherlands, about the real meaning behind the Dutch election results, rising far-right and what we can do to tackle this political trend across Europe. SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official
Several latent conflicts have resurfaced. In Gaza, Israel’s relentless bombardment of innocent civilians in Palestine is entering its seventh week. In Ukraine, the fight against Russia is slipping towards a violent, bloody stalemate. These conflicts are testing traditional geopolitical alliances, and bringing about new ones. Meanwhile, this century has seen major shifts in world power. The US is no longer dominant, while China, Russia, and India have grown stronger and more influential. With these power shifts and global instability, how can we work towards peace? And what role should Europe play in this new global order? Our panel, including Yanis Varoufakis, Julijana Zita and Amir Kiyaei, will be tackling these issues and more. Join us and put your questions to them live! SUPPORT US Join DiEM25: https://diem25.org/join Donate to DiEM25: https://diem25.org/donate Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/DiEM25official