Bruegel Blog
Timely analysis on the latest developments in economic policy. The Blog is a point of reference for policymakers, influencers and journalists.
Recently published
To cap or not to cap: the deal Europe needs on energy prices
An EU gas price cap would be counterproductive, but the reasons why it is supported widely must be acknowledged and addressed.
With a little help from some friends: coordinating Digital Markets Act enforcement
Digital Markets Act enforcement will be much more effective if EU member national authorities are involved
Success at COP27 will be defined by progress on climate finance and ‘loss and damage’
COP27 should create the basis of a global loss-and-damage fund to help vulnerable countries already suffering from climate disasters.
Beyond the training gap: learning foundational skills on the job
Low-skilled workers tend to have jobs that are less likely to foster foundational skills. This worsens skills gaps and income inequality.
Is globalisation really doomed?
Globalisation is under attack; to preserve its benefits, healthy domestic social contracts are essential.
Blog post
30 September 2022
Germany’s gas-price ‘defence shield’: problems and redeeming features
The €200 billion “defence shield” risks undermining European solidarity. This could be avoided by designing it well.
Blog post
27 September 2022
China’s top ranked corporations are not as opaque as they may seem
Even though most large Chinese SOEs are not listed, they generate most of their revenue from their listed subsidiaries.
Blog post
26 September 2022
Do LGBTQIA+ people face EU labour market discrimination?
Labour-market data on LGBTQIA+ people is limited, but there is some evidence that those in same-sex partnerships experience discrimination.
Blog post
22 September 2022
Tackling inflation: learning from the European Central Bank's six lapses
While mistakes unduly constrained rate hikes, gradual tightening is the right approach along with a new instrument to address energy bottlenecks.
Blog post
15 September 2022
Shinzo Abe’s economic legacy: a glass half full
Abenomics has fallen short in many ways, but Japan has still largely coped with an aging society while maintaining a high level of income equality.
Blog post
12 September 2022
Cross-border telework in the EU: fab or fad?
Europe should investigate the possibility of ‘digital frontier worker’ status for cross-border remote workers.
Blog post
12 September 2022
How effective has the pandemic emergency purchase programme been in ensuring debt sustainability?
The ECB’s pandemic emergency purchase programme has improved substantially the debt dynamics of euro-area countries, with durable effects.
Blog post
08 September 2022
Russia’s huge trade surplus is not a sign of economic strength
Russia has recorded a record trade surplus, but more than half of its increase is due to the collapse of imports.
Blog post
20 July 2022
Closing the gender gap for self-employed women in the European Union
Self-employed women are at a wealth disadvantage, according to ECB household finance data, and thus have more to gain from policies that spur saving.
In focus
20 July 2022
Blog post
18 July 2022
What role for China in the global refining crunch?
Despite high prices, China’s substantial spare oil refining capacity remains restricted.
Blog post
13 July 2022
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
Blog post
13 July 2022
Can working solo be good for entrepreneurs?
The self-employed are a diverse group, but they can help us better understand the drivers of well-being at work and help design better policies.
Blog post
07 July 2022
European Union demand reduction needs to cope with Russian gas cuts
Without Russian gas, the European Union would have to reduce demand by approximately 15%, with big differences between different parts of Europe
Blog post
06 July 2022
Mobilising EU investors to narrow the developing-country climate-finance gap
The EU needs to address through public and private funds the lack of private climate finance to low- and middle-income countries.
Blog post
05 July 2022
How rate increases could impact debt ratios in the euro area’s most-indebted countries
Debt-to-GDP ratios should continue to fall in euro-area countries despite rising interest rates, post 2023 the situation might vary across countries