In an era marked by geopolitical turbulence, economic uncertainty, and democratic strain, Europe is confronting profound choices about its future. The shifting global order signals both the end of long-standing dependencies and the need for a renewed vision of European sovereignty. These challenges raise fundamental questions: How can the continent defend its social model in the face of growing security pressures? How can it ensure that its industrial base remains competitive and resilient while safeguarding economic autonomy? And how can enlargement and integration strengthen, rather than weaken, Europe’s democratic foundations? This congress addresses the intersections of welfare and security, ownership and sovereignty, democracy and enlargement. It will explore how Europe can reconcile calls for rearmament with the imperative of solidarity and sustainability, how new forms of economic democracy such as employee ownership can anchor prosperity in local communities, and how labour movements and civil society can ensure that regional integration remains rooted in social justice. The slogan of the congress “World divided, labour united” captures the vision guiding this congress. At a moment when international divisions threaten to deepen inequality and instability, the collective strength of labour, civil society, and democratic institutions can provide the foundation for a more just order. The challenge — and the opportunity — is whether this unity can extend beyond Europe, transforming division into cooperation and offering the prospect of a world brought together by the dignity of work.​