EconPol Policy Briefs

EconPol Policy Briefs are short articles providing key findings of policy-related studies and policy implications from recent policy relevant economic research. Grounded in evidence-based insights, the Policy Briefs discuss current topics in economic and fiscal policy within a wide range of specific areas of expertise. By discussing implications of policy scenarios and the impact of economic policies in the face of the rapidly evolving challenges faced by the European economies and their global partners, EconPol Policy Briefs provide a well-founded economic policy advice to European policymakers. Focusing on key messages and policy conclusions, the Policy Briefs transfer expertise from researchers into the public debate and facilitate informed decisions.

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Why are Macroeconomic Imbalances so Important for the European Monetary Union?

Roberto Tamborini

Are convergent growth rates a sine-qua-non condition for a monetary union? Is there any economic tendency towards this outcome? Economist Roberto Tamborini, Università di Trento, says: "Higher growth across Europe is a valuable aim but is the devotion to pro-growth and convergence policies and to the formalisation of the convergence process in Europe's Economic and Monetary Union the correct answer?

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How to Reduce Agricultural Subsidies From EU Funds

Friedrich Heinemann

“EU agricultural policy seems anachronistic. There is no justification for its dominant position in the EU budget,” says Professor Friedrich Heinemann, head of ZEW’s Research Department “Corporate Taxation and Public Finance” and author of the new ZEW study in cooperation with Bertelsmann Stiftung. The new ZEW study recommends reducing the costs of agricultural subsidies through significant national contributions to agricultural support. “If the Member States wish to privilege their farmers over other economic sectors, they should do so without passing the burden onto European taxpayers,” explains Friedrich Heinemann.

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