Look Left, by the Left at the EP

EU policies fuelling the housing crisis

Europe's housing crisis is marked by soaring rents, unaffordable homes, and rising homelessness. In this episode, we discuss a new study exposing how EU policy is exacerbating the problem and how community movements across the continent are mobilising to demand rent controls, social housing, and tenant protections for quality, affordable homes, and dignified living.

Five turbulent years - A recap

From landmark legislation to heated debates, we explore the highs and lows, victories and setbacks that have shaped the political landscape in Europe since 2019. 

Co-President of The Left in the European Parliament, Manon Aubry, recaps a complex European Parliament term, giving her take on what we won, what we lost and what we learned.

The war on Gaza: unmasking Europe’s complicity

EU leaders' reactions and inaction in response to the ongoing war on Gaza have proven controversial, not just on Europe's streets, but also in the halls of power.

In this episode, we speak to Ahmed Abofoul from Palestinian NGO Al-Haq and Left MEP Marc Botenga to unravel the complexities and complicities of Europe's role in the crisis over the last months.

What's the path towards justice and accountability for the people of Gaza, and how should Europe help us get there?

The EU’s AI Act: a big win for Big Tech

From the start, Big Tech was involved in the EU’s flagship law on artificial intelligence. But when the European Parliament tried to rein these giants in, the CEOs of Google, Open AI, and Microsoft descended upon Brussels. The result? A rush job and a law that prioritises profits over people.

In this episode of Look Left, we dive into the AI Act with Left MEP Cornelia Ernst and Bram Vranken from Corporate Europe Observatory. We look at the influence Big Tech had over negotiations and ask if the law does enough to protect human rights.

Democracy at stake: What’s changed since Qatargate?

Suitcases of cash, police raids, arrested politicians - it had the makings of a Netflix thriller. If Qatargate shone a light on the murky waters of corruption, conflicts of interest and lobbying, 12 months later can the EU honestly say it’s cleaned up its act?

In this episode of Look Left, we delve into the scandal that shook the EU with Left MEP Leïla Chaibi and Shari Hinds from Transparency International EU. We examine the reasons behind Qatargate and ask whether enough has been done to weed out corruption in Brussels’ institutions.

Being anti-fascist today

Victory for Geert Wilders in the Netherlands. Riots on the streets of Dublin. A neo-fascist government in Italy. In the EU support for the far-right is on the rise. Where once these parties were united by their opposition to immigration, Islam and the European Union, new causes have also emerged. Culture wars, minority rights, the climate crisis are now all mainstays of far-right propaganda. But where fascism has changed, so too has anti-fascism.

Tax the rich! They can afford it

While millions of people have been hit by the cost of multiple crises, the richest of the rich are travelling into space and spending billions on ultra-luxurious and environmentally harmful activities. Now more than ever, it's time to tackle this enormous social inequality. So, what about taxing the rich? 

Between borders: voices of migration

For many people, a passport can draw the line between being a “migrant” or an “expat” - a line made of barbed wire. The fourth episode of Look Left is for all those who left their homes and started from zero in a new country, and for all those who lost their lives trying to do so. 

Abortion: from taboo to global struggle

Stigma and scapegoating, civil disobedience and international solidarity. We dedicate the third episode of Look Left to all women who lost their lives because they were denied the right to choose and to all those who stand up for their right to decide over their own bodies. 

Clearing the air: Kick big polluters out EU Climate Policy

The climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges of our time. And yet, we see big polluters and the fossil fuel lobby comfortably sitting at climate talks, presenting themselves as “green” solutions experts.

Ride or die - platform workers take on Big Tech

In the first episode of Look Left, we tackle the platform workers' fight for social protection. Camille Peteers, a delivery man from Belgium, joins us to tell his story as a bogus self-employee for Uber Eats and as an activist at Maison des Livreurs. We also put the Platform Workers' Directive under the left lens and took Camille's story to MEP Leila Chaibi.