Microeconomic policies
The rapid pace of digital and innovative change can provide us with new tools to address complex policy challenges
The EU’s microeconomic policies have to adapt to the new challenges including the rise of artificial intelligence, the social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and growing shortages of skilled workers. Bruegel researchers evaluate these policy responses, make policy recommendations and track social and economic trends. In addition, they look at the issues at the intersection of competitiveness, industrial policy and single market.
Under the 2025-2026 research programme, Bruegel fellows focus on regulatory reform for a more dynamic single market, Europe’s digital challenge in combining productivity and autonomy, and green industrialisation for European competitiveness and security.
Digital economy and innovation
What the heck is a 28th Regime?
The European Commission’s new plan for business law, in context
Deregulating artificial intelligence will not boost EU tech markets
European plans to weaken AI users’ rights are unlikely to help achieve convergence in performance between the EU and US tech markets
Life Expectancy, Retirement Age, and Pension Wealth
The case for a European Union digital enforcement authority
The European Union's digital rulebook could be better enforced by delegating some of the European Commission's powers to an independent agency
Where can Europe be independent?
Vestager and Brasso Sørensen discuss competitiveness, tech and the EU
Researchers
Jacob Funk Kirkegaard
Bruegel Senior Fellow
Annamaria Lusardi
Bruegel Non-resident Fellow
Mario Mariniello
Bruegel Non-resident Fellow
Bertin Martens
Bruegel Senior Fellow
Alexandre Mendonça
Bruegel Affiliate Fellow
Antoine Mathieu Collin
Bruegel Visiting Fellow
Jonathan D. Ostry
Bruegel Non-resident Fellow
Paul Richter
Bruegel Affiliate Fellow
Alexandra Roulet
Bruegel Non-resident Fellow
Fiona M. Scott Morton
Bruegel Senior Fellow
Reinhilde Veugelers
Bruegel Senior Fellow
Labour markets, skills and health
Financing Innovative Ventures in Europe: closing the scale-up gap
What are the policy solutions to help new European companies thrive?
Europe’s artificial intelligence strategy should be built on European strengths
Europe can gain most from AI not through development but through sound regulation and adoption of the best the world has to offer
Europe needs a regulated market for personal data
Data markets would provide a middle ground between shutting down many online services and unchecked exploitation of users
Europeans should be allowed to trade personal data
Well-designed data markets could curb gatekeeper power, protect privacy and pay users for sharing data, while preserving ad-supported digital services
AI-enabled cybersecurity and defense
At this invitation-only event we explored the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity and defence
Events
EU sustainable finance: turning ambition into action
How is EU sustainable finance translating into real investment flows?
Banking reform in the EU: a conversation with Frank Elderson
How should the EU balance banking reform, risk and competitiveness?
The new global imbalances: the launch of Paris Report 4
How to address global imbalances during geopolitical instability?
Podcasts
AI, data and Europe’s quest to simplify
How can the EU adapt its rulebook to meet tomorrow's technology environment?
Where do insurance firms and pension funds invest?
Europe needs long-term, patient capital to meet its investment needs. Where is the money going and how can policymakers help?
EU Tech Rules: What to make of the first DMA fines?
How Brussels can regulate big tech in a time of trade wars
Satellites and Space Races: The role of Europe in the space economy
Stakeholders, demands, and funding of Europe’s space sector