Klaas Lenaerts
Klaas worked at Bruegel as a Research Analyst until August 2022. He holds a Master in Economics from the KU Leuven and in European Economic Studies from the College of Europe. Additionally, he spent one semester at Uppsala University.
Klaas has a broad background in economics and European affairs. Before joining Bruegel he did a traineeship at the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the EU, where he worked on enlargement discussions, and at the European Securities and Markets Authority in Paris, where he contributed mainly to the work of the Risk Analysis and Economics department on such topics as crypto regulation and sustainable finance.
His fields of interest include European climate policy and Eurozone governance, as well as external relations and trade. He is fluent in Dutch and English and advanced in French and German.
Featured work
European Union countries’ recovery and resilience plans
Europe’s Green Investment Requirements and the Role of NextGenerationEU
The EU countries’ priorities on climate and environmental spending, as reflected in the allocations of the Recovery and Resilience funds are assessed.
How Can the European Union Adapt to Climate Change?
Europe must increasingly deal with the harmful impacts of climate change, regardless of its success in reducing emissions.
How can the European Union better adapt to climate change?
A stronger adaptation governance framework would benefit adaptation efforts.
A Transatlantic Energy and Climate Pact Is Now More Necessary Than Ever
A possible G7 price cap on Russian oil: issues at stake
A price cap on Russian oil might improve the current western sanctions regime, but effectiveness will depend on the west’s willingness
Scorching summers are becoming the new normal. Can Europe prepare itself?
As global average temperatures continue to rise beyond the current 1.2°C above pre-industrial averages, Europe is likely to warm even faster.
How can the European Union adapt to climate change?
A stronger adaptation governance framework would benefit adaptation efforts.
The Global Quest for Green Growth: An Economic Policy Perspective
A review on green growth and degrowth arguments.
Climate migration: what do we really know?
While uncertain, studies suggest that climate change will cause significant internal and international migration over the next century.
Greening Europe’s post-COVID-19 recovery
This Blueprint includes some of the Group’s most prominent voices on the different aspects of the multidimensional issue of green recovery.
Goodbye Glasgow: what’s next for global climate action?
After COP26, and as the debate on whether Glasgow represents a success or a failure dies down, what next for global climate action?
Can climate change be tackled without ditching economic growth?
The ultimate answer to the question on whether climate change can be tackled without ditching economic growth depends on our willingness to step up cl
Can climate change be tackled without ditching economic growth?
The notion of degrowth to reduce greenhouse gas emissions appears unrealistic; decoupling of emissions from growth is in principle possible but requir
How much investment do we need to reach net zero?
The size and scope of investments needed to reach net zero will have significant macroeconomic implications.
A breakdown of EU countries’ post-pandemic green spending plans
An analysis of European Union countries’ recovery plans shows widely differing green spending priorities.