Topics
Bruegel researchers tackle a range of economic topics and issues, grouped across wider topics which cover the breadth of our expertise.
Through publications, events, social media, and a lively blog, Bruegel has carved a unique discussion space for everyone interested in improving the quality of economic policy. Through a dual focus on analysis and impact, and dynamic relationships with policymakers at every governance level, it has also established itself as a vibrant laboratory for economic policies.
Explore some of the hot topics in economic policy below:
Climate change
The role of competition in the transition to climate neutrality
The transition to climate neutrality requires the reallocation of production factors from polluting activities to non-polluting activities.
How can the European Union adapt to climate change?
A stronger adaptation governance framework would benefit adaptation efforts.
Energy
European natural gas imports
Germany’s gas-price ‘defence shield’: problems and redeeming features
The €200 billion “defence shield” risks undermining European solidarity. This could be avoided by designing it well.
An assessment of Europe’s options for addressing the crisis in energy markets
Action to intervene in the gas and electricity wholesale markets is also being taken at European Union level, which is what we analyse in this paper.
COVID-19
COVID-19 in the European Union: health impacts and effects on economic activity
What matters when it comes to managing the pandemic is to prevent intensive-care admissions and deaths arising from COVID-19.
COVID-19 and the shift to remote work
Hybrid arrangements in which part of the week is spent at the office, and part at home, are likely to become the norm.
Ukraine
Enlarging and deepening: giving substance to the European Political Community
The EPC would not be, and should not be, regarded as a substitute for EU accession, but should be designed to work as an accelerator.
Ukraine and what it means for European Union enlargement
The real issue for EU leaders when they discuss Ukraine’s application at a 23-24 June summit and beyond, is what kind of club the EU should be.
Xi, Biden switching strategies for dominance
The US now sees Asia more through an economic lens, while China shifts toward a security focus
Filter publications by topic
Working paper
23 November 2020
Digital platforms and antitrust
The market power of online platforms raises concerns that they may engage in anti-competitive practices, but traditional (ex-post) antitrust intervent
Policy brief
27 October 2020
European Union recovery funds: strings attached, but not tied up in knots
Ensuring effective recovery spending is a high-stakes challenge for the European Union, with the potential for derailment because of fuzzy objectives
Working paper
19 October 2020
The economic growth and income distribution implications of public spending and tax decisions
European Union countries can reduce inequality of opportunity through public spending and tax decisions. Broadly, the most effective approach includes
Policy brief
22 September 2020
Why has COVID-19 hit different European Union economies so differently?
All European Union countries are undergoing severe output losses as a consequence of COVID-19, but some have been hurt more than others. Factors poten
Policy brief
17 September 2020
Emerging Europe and the capital markets union
The European Union's capital market union needs a revamp because of Brexit and the deep recession, and to underpin the European Green Deal.
Policy brief
11 September 2020
Financing the European Union: New Context, New Responses
With the European Union for the first time taking on debt to help finance the economic recovery from the coronavirus, new resources are needed to fund
Policy brief
08 July 2020
Greening the recovery by greening the fiscal consolidation
In the wake of COVID-19, some economic recovery policies will help green the economy – for example, energy renovation of buildings. But there are limi
Working paper
07 July 2020
The impact economy: balancing profit and impact
Governments and companies can reinforce each other in their pursuit of sustainable development, which is based on three pillars: economic, social and
Policy brief
02 July 2020
The financial fragility of European households in the time of COVID-19
The concept of household financial fragility emerged in the United States after the 2007-2008 financial crisis. It grew out of the need to understand
Policy brief
30 June 2020
Six years after Ukraine’s Euromaidan: reforms and challenges ahead
Since the Euromaidan protests (2013-2014), Ukraine has had two presidents and four governments. In a difficult environment of external aggression, the
Policy brief
24 June 2020
Should Denmark and Sweden join the banking Union?
Though outside the euro area, Denmark and Sweden could benefit from joining the European Union’s banking union. It would provide protection in case of
Policy brief
22 June 2020
A new policy toolkit is needed as countries exit COVID-19 lockdowns
Most governments have taken measures to protect vulnerable workers and firms from the worst effects of the sudden drop in activity related to COVID-19
Working paper
15 June 2020
Occupational change, artificial intelligence and the geography of EU labour markets
From 2002 up to 2009, the economies of European Union countries went through a skill upgrading, rather than a polarisation between low-skill and high-
Policy brief
05 June 2020
Is the COVID-19 crisis an opportunity to boost the euro as a global currency?
The euro never challenged the US dollar, and its international status declined with the euro crisis. Faced with a US administration willing to use its
Policy brief
28 May 2020
COVID-19’s reality shock for external-funding dependent emerging economies
COVID-19 is by far the biggest challenge policymakers in emerging economies have had to deal with in recent history. Beyond the potentially large nega
Policy brief
20 May 2020
The European Central Bank in the COVID-19 crisis: whatever it takes, within its mandate
To keep the euro-area economy afloat, the European Central Bank has put in place a large number of measures since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis