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
02 February 2022
The dark side of artificial intelligence: manipulation of human behaviour
Transparency over systems and algorithms, rules and public awareness are needed to address potential danger of manipulation by artificial intelligence
Blog post
01 February 2022
Who is suffering most from rising inflation?
The lowest income households are suffering disproportionally from the current inflation increase, with rising energy prices the main culprit.
Blog post
27 January 2022
Can Europe survive painlessly without Russian gas?
If Russian gas stops flowing, measures to replace supply won’t be enough. The European Union will need to curb demand, implying difficult and costly d
Blog post
26 January 2022
Opaque and ill-defined: the problems with Europe’s IPCEI subsidy framework
Lack of strict governance and transparency creates serious risk that fair competition within the single market will be undermined.
Blog post
23 December 2021
What will be the impact of Europe’s next round of COVID-19 restrictions?
As COVID-19 cases surge, the choice of restrictions, and the details of their implementation, can have a major influence on the degree to which busine
Blog post
21 December 2021
12 Charts for 21
A selection of charts from Bruegel’s weekly newsletter, analysis of the year and what it meant for the economy in Europe and the world.
Blog post
21 December 2021
How serious is Europe’s natural gas storage shortfall?
Europe may not have enough natural gas in storage for the coming winter; close monitoring of the situation will be essential.
Blog post
20 December 2021
Policy coordination failures in the euro area: not just an outcome, but by design
Discussions on the fiscal framework should aim to correct its procyclical nature with a view to promoting more cooperative outcomes.
Blog post
14 December 2021
Which platforms will be caught by the Digital Markets Act? The ‘gatekeeper’ dilemma
The scope of the Digital Markets Act has emerged as one of the most contentious issues in the regulatory discussion. Here, we assess which companies c
Blog post
07 December 2021
The Global Gateway: a real step towards a stronger Europe in the world?
Disappointment at the lack of fresh cash from European Union global connectivity strategy is short-sighted: Europe supports global development more th
Blog post
07 December 2021
An inclusive European Union must boost gig workers’ rights
A European initiative strengthening rights for gig workers is welcome. A digitised economy should also be inclusive.
Blog post
06 December 2021
The triple constraint on artificial-intelligence advancement in Europe
Skills, data and financing shortcomings constrain artificial-intelligence innovation in Europe.
Blog post
29 November 2021
Rising energy prices: European Union countries’ views on medium-term policies
Alongside short-term measures to shield consumers from rising energy prices, EU countries have set out their positions on medium-term measures to prev
Blog post
18 November 2021
Including home-ownership costs in the inflation indicator is not just a technical issue
The European Central Bank is right to propose inclusion of owner-occupied housing services in the inflation indicator. But the ECB’s preferred method
Blog post
18 November 2021
Fiscal arithmetic and risk of sovereign insolvency
The record-high debt levels in advanced economies increase the risk of sovereign insolvency. Governments should start fiscal consolidation soon in an
Blog post
18 November 2021
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?