The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), the Jean Jaurès Foundation and the AIRE research centre of the Leeds University Business School are organizing a roundtable discussion with academics and policy-makers to present and discuss ideas for policy measures that can break the nexus between the growth of finance, inequality, and the job drought in Europe. These ideas encompass changes in regulation, financial structure, and financial and investment policies.The European Union is in its deepest crisis since its inception. This is on the one hand a financial crisis, and on the other hand a real sector crisis with stagnating economies, rising inequalities and increasing divergence between the countries of the European Union. In the run up to the European elections of 2014 it is of fundamental importance for the European left to clearly define and promote a set of alternative economic and financial policies that can address the long-term structural problems in Europe and their impact on growth, equality and employment.The roundtable discussion is aimed at stimulating the intellectual exchange between academics and policy makers and refining the policy proposals in light of policy makers’ experiences. This is considered particularly important in light of the European elections of 2014. This roundtable debate is an opportunity to discuss progressive, evidence based ideas on the nexus between inequality and finance and how to reform the financial system in order to increase stability and restore growth.Guest speakers to this event include Professor Stephany Griffith-Jones, IPD Columbia University, Professor Gary Dymski, Leeds University Business School, Associate Professor Daniela Gabor, University of the West of England, and MEP Elisa Ferreira.