Global Progressive Mobilisation, April 17th – 18th, Barcelona

Progressives from all over the world gathered in Barcelona for the Global Progressive Mobilisation (GPM) Summit from 17–18 April. This was not just another conference. In times of rapid political change, and amid the rise of conservative and far-right ideas, the GPM offers an alternative—bringing actors together to connect, exchange, and formulate progressive solutions to the major challenges of our time. 

Across two intense and inspiring days, one message became unmistakably clear: the progressive movement is not only alive—it is strong, connected, and ready to shape the future. In a time of global uncertainty, the summit stood as a powerful demonstration of unity, solidarity, and determination to defend workers’ rights, democracy, and social justice.

A historic moment of global unity in Barcelona

There could hardly have been a more symbolic place to host this gathering. Barcelona carries a deep historical legacy as a centre of anti-fascist resistance during the Spanish Civil War and later under Franco’s dictatorship, where trade unions and the workers’ movement played a crucial role in defending democracy. Today, the city continues to stand for freedom, solidarity, and democratic values.

For two days, Barcelona became a space of extraordinary convergence. Trade unions, activists, researchers, and political actors – such as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil – came together from across the world with a shared purpose: to strengthen progressive cooperation in the face of rising global challenges and growing political polarisation.

Friedrich Ebert Foundation brings the future of work to the global stage

As part of the summit, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) contributed to this international exchange by organising, moderating, and hosting a wide range of events addressing key progressive challenges of our time. FES Future of Work was proud to contribute actively through two key events: first, by supporting the Trade Union Assembly, organised by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and the Spanish trade unions UGT and Comisiones Obreras; and second, through the expert-level panel “The Future of Work in the Age of Generative AI: A Social-Democratic Agenda”, organised and moderated by our colleague Justin Nogarede.

Trade unions at the centre of the fight for democracy

The Trade Union Assembly delivered a clear and urgent message: the most effective way to counter the rise of the far right is to improve the lives of working people. Trade union leaders stressed that insecurity, inequality, and weakened rights create the conditions in which the far right thrives—fuelled by austerity, precarious work, and growing distrust.

The adopted declaration was explicit: far-right forces do not fundamentally challenge the current economic system, but often reinforce it in favour of concentrated corporate power and wealth. This growing imbalance is also contributing to a deeper crisis of democracy.

In response, trade unions called for “real solutions”: secure and well-paid jobs, strong public services, fair wages, and industrial policies that deliver quality employment in every region. Spain was highlighted as a concrete example that this approach works—showing that social investment, stronger labour rights, and action on the cost of living crisis can go hand in hand with economic progress.

A shared agenda: trust, protection, and a just digital future

In the opening session, Knut Dethlefsen, Director of FES Future of Work, raised a key question: how can social democratic forces rebuild trust with the labour movement in an era of rapid digital transformation? He warned that technological change is often experienced as uncertainty—about jobs, security, and welfare systems—fuelled by fears of losing control over the future. Therefore, he stressed that trade unions are essential to ensuring that digital transformation is shaped through protection, co-determination, and collective security, rather than imposed from above.

This call for a hopeful, people-centred agenda was strongly echoed by Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the ETUC, who stressed the need for a “project of hope”: tangible improvements such as decent wages, affordable housing, and secure work, combined with a credible future for working people. When workers have a real say and a fair share of prosperity, trust in democracy grows—and societies become more resilient to division and extremism.

A defining moment came at the end of the assembly when Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez joined the gathering and received the adopted declaration. His presence underlined the political significance of the discussions and sent a clear signal: strengthening workers’ rights and social justice is central to defending democracy and building a more resilient future.

The future of work: shaping AI in the interests of workers

The panel “The Future of Work in the Age of Generative AI: A Social-Democratic Agenda” brought these debates into the digital age. Despite public scepticism, the discussion began from a clear recognition: massive investments in AI—estimated at around €500 billion in 2025 and potentially trillions in the coming years—signal a profound transformation of work, often aimed at automating human labour.

Rather than dismissing AI as hype, Christian Kellermann highlighted its already visible impact on workers, including growing concerns across white-collar sectors and frustration over the use of workers’ data without consent or compensation.

The panel converged on a clear direction. Enma López called for stronger worker protections, fair redistribution of AI-generated value through taxation and intellectual property reform, and renewed debate on reducing working time. Brando Benifei defended the EU AI Act while stressing the need for further safeguards, potentially also at national level. Christian Kellermann emphasised the importance of developing “pro-worker AI” that creates new tasks and good-quality jobs rather than simply replacing labour.

Across all interventions, one message stood out clearly: organised labour must be at the centre of shaping the future of AI, as workplaces are where its real impact is already being felt.

A powerful closing message from Barcelona

Taken together, the summit sent a strong and inspiring signal: democracy, social justice, and technological change cannot be separated. Only by improving the lives of working people, strengthening their rights, and ensuring their voice in shaping the future of work can trust be rebuilt and the rise of the far right effectively countered.

Barcelona once again proved itself as a place where history meets the future—and where a global progressive movement comes together to shape what comes next.

Further Information:

• Press release ETUC

• Article by Knut Dethlefsen on vorwärts