Ursula von der Leyen
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The German economic policy agenda for Europe

The German presidency of the European Union is likely to have a mixed legacy. On one hand, the financial packages agreed should be considered a French-German political success. On the other, the fiscal consequences of the new measures will allow the European Union to raise debt on an unprecedented scale, which could bring about a return to the economic stagnation of the 1970s.

Relevance beyond the crisis: Emerging contours of a weakened Europe
The coronavirus crisis has had a profound effect on Europe, not only bringing changes that no one thought possible just months ago but deepening divisions and intensifying acrimony between EU countries. With these ruptures laid bare, the bloc again faces an existential crisis. It should survive for now, but a ...


Relevance beyond the crisis: The future of macroeconomic policy
While the scale of the coronavirus emergency requires government intervention, it is worth asking what the consequences of those rescue measures will be in the long term, especially considering the preexisting weaknesses of the economy. Unless the magnitude of the crisis raises awareness of governments’ failings, some European countries’ bloated ...


Blockchain in shipping, more than a buzzword
Blockchain could considerably lighten the administrative load of the maritime transport industry, in addition to preventing devastating cyberattacks. However, companies are hesitant to adopt the technology because of the legal uncertainty that surrounds it. The current lack of comprehensive regulations is perceived as a security liability, but there are also ...


Opinion: European airlines set to lose competitiveness under new rules
European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen has made it clear that she intends to create a level playing field for EU airlines. However, the legislative package currently being discussed contains measures that would have the opposite effect. Taxes on kerosene could hobble EU aviation companies by putting them at ...
