The authors argue that Europe’s reliance on free-market principles is failing to address today’s economic, social, and environmental challenges. While the free market can foster growth and individual freedom, it often drives harmful competition, fragile supply chains, and unsustainable practices. They advocate moving beyond market fundamentalism toward a planned, coordinated approach—citing examples like Denmark’s renewable energy strategy and the EU’s Ecodesign directive—to align economic activity with European values, public participation, and long-term results. This is not a call for socialism, but for a pragmatic, participatory model where markets are a tool, not a goal.

Link: Tijd om afscheid te nemen van de vrije markt en haar imperfecties

Colin Mayer writes that ESG is dead. However, his proposal that companies should focus on problem solving and ‘true and fair’ accounting does little more than recast its core argument. Both it and ESG build on the same premise that free and efficient markets are the best and only way to address problems with firms, markets and sustainability. 

Link: A response to Colin Mayer’s ‘ESG is Dead, Be True and Fair Instead’ | ECGI

Hugo Reumkens uses the election of Pope Leo XIV as a lens for seven key lessons in governance and oversight. Drawing on the conclave’s serenity and symbolism, he contrasts Leo XIV’s Augustinian, socially rooted leadership with modern “strongman” models. Reumkens urges boards and supervisors to see appointments not as conclusions but as beginnings for reflection. In an era of societal fragmentation and political strain, his insights advocate for leadership grounded in humility, continuity, and deeper purpose over mere transactional authority.

Link: NR Governance