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 2024/2025 research programme, Bruegel fellows focus on three areas. First, digital economy and the impact of AI, including structural weakness in the EU’s digital economy, structural change in the digital economy, the impact of new technologies on EU labour markets and artificial intelligence as an input to firm production. Second, skills and labour markets, including attracting skilled labour and activating underrepresented groups to tackle skills and labour shortages and third, health and wealth inequality.
Digital economy and innovation
EU Tech Rules: What to make of the first DMA fines?
How Brussels can regulate big tech in a time of trade wars
A planned code of practice would reinforce the EU’s artificial intelligence copyright problem
The European Union is continuing to unnecessarily restrict access to copyright-protected content for AI model training
How DeepSeek has changed artificial intelligence and what it means for Europe
This Policy Brief analyses innovations in AI models over the past half year and examines the economic implications for AI companies and policymakers
Geopolitics and fines for breaches of the EU’s Digital Markets Act
It would make no sense for the European Commission to back down from DMA fines in the face of US pressure
Reinforcing EU merger control against the risks of acquisitions by big tech
The burden of proving that a merger is not anti-competitive should be shifted onto gatekeepers
Upcoming events
Talks@Bruegel: Migration and refugee policies with Neil Meads
How do changes in migrant and refugee policies affect where people move between economies and the legal pathways they take?
Labour markets, skills and health
The one promise and many perils of resurgent industrial policy
What are the challenges and implications of industrial policy in today’s evolving global landscape?
Labour market outlook dashboard
This dashboard offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of key labour market outcomes across EU member states, from 2006 onwards
Satellites and Space Races: The role of Europe in the space economy
Stakeholders, demands, and funding of Europe’s space sector
Diversity and inclusion aren’t just about equity, they’re about efficiency too
Adding more women to the workforce delivers a bigger GDP boost than simply employing more men
Updated assessment: Memo to the commissioner responsible for digital affairs
Events
Europe’s energy information problem
Choices are needed about responsibilities at European and national levels, expanding existing institutions or creating new independent ones
Green, digital and resilient growth
Bruegel's 20th Anniversary event in Helsinki, jointly organised with the Bank of Finland.
Europe’s investment priorities in a changing world – featuring a conversation with Nadia Calviño
What are Europe’s investment priorities in an era of change?
Podcasts
The EU vs. Big Tech: Regulating for innovation and sovereignty
How should the EU regulate Big Tech and Artificial Intelligence?
Do EU tech rules add up?
Mapping out the EU’s digital agenda
The complexities of AI regulation
How to balance legal certainty with evolving technology and international competition?
South Korea's semiconductor strategy and what it means for China
Economic ties are being reshaped by the semiconductor industry's evolution