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
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.
What role for China in the global refining crunch?
Despite high prices, China’s substantial spare oil refining capacity remains restricted.
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
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.
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
18 May 2022
REPowerEU: will EU countries really make it work?
By acting together, the European Union can optimise its response to the energy crisis in all scenarios but each country will have to make concessions.
Blog post
17 May 2022
Does the war in Ukraine call for a new Next Generation EU?
The European Union should take significant economic measures in response to the war in Ukraine, but a new Next Generation EU is not needed yet.
Blog post
16 May 2022
The EU needs transparent oil data and enhanced coordination
The EU lacks the coordination structure and transparent data necessary to most effectively navigate an embargo on Russian oil.
Blog post
16 May 2022
Now is not the time to confiscate Russia’s central bank reserves
The idea of confiscating the Bank of Russia’s frozen reserves is attractive to some, but at this stage in the Ukraine conflict confiscation would be c
Blog post
11 May 2022
Insights for successful enforcement of Europe’s Digital Markets Act
The European Commission will enforce digital competition rules against big tech; internally, it should ensure a dedicated process and teams.
Blog post
29 April 2022
How a European Union tariff on Russian oil can be designed
The European Union should apply a tariff on imports of Russian oil; it can be accompanied by a quota for a gradual, conditional phase-out.
Blog post
26 April 2022
Owning up to sustainability risks: the EU should champion international standards
To keep European Union capital markets open and integrated, new international standards should be reflected in future European law and accounting prac
Blog post
25 April 2022
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.
Blog post
19 April 2022
A sanctions counter measure: gas payments to Russia in rubles
A requirement for gas to be paid for in rubles is a way for Russia to side-step central bank sanctions.
Blog post
15 April 2022
The European Union should sanction Sberbank and other Russian banks
Sanctions on Sberbank and most other Russian banks should be imposed by the EU, without delay and at no major cost to either itself or like-minded cou
Blog post
12 April 2022
The decoupling of Russia: European vulnerabilities in the high-tech sector
The EU will face challenges in sectors where it relies on Russian and Ukrainian commodities and technologies.
Blog post
08 April 2022
The European Union demand response to high natural gas prices
Even before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, high natural gas prices triggered an estimated European Union demand cut of about 7%.
Blog post
08 April 2022
Putin’s Russia is a minnow compared to the Cold War Soviet Bloc
For the time being at least, based on the non-military metrics considered here, Moscow’s global heft is a shadow of its former Soviet self.
Blog post
06 April 2022
Bold European Union action is needed to support Ukrainian refugees
Hosting Ukrainian refugees could cost European Union countries in excess of €40 billion this year. A dedicated EU fund is needed to manage the burden.
Blog post
05 April 2022
Is the private sector retreating in China? Not among its largest companies
Though private ownership does not free companies from the pervasive influence of the Communist Party, China’s private and state sectors are not equiva
Blog post
28 March 2022
The decoupling of Russia: high-tech goods and components
Sanctions on high-tech goods supplies, combined with financial sanctions and other restrictions, will deprive Russia of a future as a modern economy.