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
Do financial markets consider European common debt a safe asset?
The interest rate on European Union bonds is now almost as high as that of supposedly riskier Spanish bonds; this risks defeating their purpose.
The ‘anywhere’ jobs are not everywhere – they’re in cities
Given new remote working arrangements, online gigs can be completed in the lowest-cost locations; they’re mainly done by workers in large cities.
Will the European Union price cap on Russian oil work?
The G7 Russian oil price cap is an ambitious but untested instrument. While pitfalls exist, the cap has the potential to be the most potent sanction.
The European Commission's fiscal rules proposal: a bold plan with flaws that can be fixed
The European Commission’s proposal for reforming the EU fiscal rules is far-reaching, but its shortcomings need to be addressed.
Does inflation hit the poor hardest everywhere?
Low-income households suffer most from high inflation, but in some European Union countries the inflation burden is felt more equally than others.
Blog post
16 May 2022
Now is not the time to confiscate Russia’s central bank reserves
As the costs of Ukraine’s resistance mount, there are increasing calls to confiscate these frozen reserves to finance Kyiv’s war and reconstruction.
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.
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
EU should extend harsh sanctions to most or all of the largest Russian banks, including the largest that plays a central role in its financial system.
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
China’s largest private-sector companies are expanding more quickly than state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
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.
Blog post
22 March 2022
The decoupling of Russia: software, media and online services
Restrictions so far on software, media and online services in Russia have been imposed either voluntarily by firms, or else by Russia itself in order
Blog post
21 March 2022
The impact of the war in Ukraine on food security
The war in Ukraine and consequent sanctions could mean high food prices will endure.
Blog post
17 March 2022
Can Europe manage if Russian oil and coal are cut off?
A stop to Russian oil and coal supplies would push Europe into a short and painful adjustment period.