Assessing the Commission’s Multiannual Financial Framework proposal: First-order principles
Since the European Commission’s 2028-34 Multiannual Financial Framework proposal in July, much has been written about its ambitions, the levels of funding involved, and its
Monetary policy transmission through cross-selling banks
When central banks raise or lower policy rates, banks typically pass these changes through only incompletely to the interest rates they pay on customer deposits.
Rewiring trade for a warming world: How COP30 can turn climate goals into trade rules
The challenge for policymakers at COP30 is not to reach universal agreement on the exact ‘price’ of carbon, but to build rules that function amid
Certification schemes may break the link between natural resources and violent conflict
Natural resources, including alluvial minerals such as diamonds, have been at the centre of brutal wars in Africa. This column evaluates one of the first
The European Union’s new fiscal rules: A fine line between brilliant masterpiece and another chapter of déjà vu
The 2024 reform of the European Union’s fiscal framework promises long-term sustainability through greater national ownership and country-specific medium-term expenditure paths. This column argues, however,
The solution to Europe’s housing affordability crisis must include building decarbonization
The EU can help tackle Europe’s housing crisis by reducing energy costs, decarbonizing buildings and adhering to climate goals. The European Union has little power
No, the EU does not impose a 45% tariff on itself
A recent paper which has gathered significant attention estimates a 45% tariff equivalent of intra-EU border costs. This column argues that this estimate is likely
When uncertainty rises, gold rallies
Precious metal prices are projected to reach new all-time highs in 2026, following an estimated 41 percent increase this year. Gold briefly exceeded $4,300 per
Tracking dataset use at scale with AI: How synthetic data helps overcome data scarcity
Understanding how data is used in research is key to strengthening the evidence base that informs policy and investment decisions. Yet despite the immense value
Navigating the complex world of non-tariff measures
For decades, global trade debates have centered on tariffs – the duties countries impose on imported goods. Today, a new, more complicated set of trade
