How can the EU achieve a fair distribution of the tax burden?
Falling corporate taxation has been matched by a rising contribution from labour. But there are ways to redress the balance between citizens and companies.
Economy
Social Europe is an award-winning digital media publisher driven by the core values of freedom, sustainability, and equality. These principles guide our exploration of society’s most pressing challenges. This archive page curates Social Europe articles focused on economic issues, offering a rich resource for innovative thinking and informed debate.
Joe Biden should not miss the Bretton Woods moment
Peter Bofinger argues the incoming president must abjure the mercantilist language of his predecessor in favour of a progressive response to globalisation.
The financial-transactions tax we need in the age of coronavirus
Five decades on, a ‘Tobin tax’ is no longer fit for purpose. Now what should be taxed, progressively, is all financial flows.
An effective corporation-tax system for the EU
Tax wars have so far denied the EU the unanimity required to stop the race to the bottom on corporation tax.
Consumer policy after Covid-19—fostering social cohesion
The pandemic has highlighted the need for a new EU consumer policy, fit for a more digitalised and sustainable world.
‘Veggie burger’ ban: bad for consumers and climate
The meat industry wants terms such as ‘veggie burger’ banned. This is less about confusion, more about competition.
The public’s business
‘Stakeholder capitalism’ has been promoted to balance the market and society but ultimately the only solution is to make firms more democratic.
The ‘circular economy’—neither safe nor sustainable
The circular economy holds out the hope of living within the planet’s resources. Turning aspiration into action is another matter.
Avoiding a climate lockdown
The world is approaching a tipping point on climate change, when protecting the future of civilisation will require dramatic interventions.
The EU must overhaul its farming policy to save the Green Deal
European decision-makers are entering the final sprint of reform of the CAP. Their choices will make or break the European Green Deal.
The ‘bazooka’: Modern Monetary Theory in action
Peter Bofinger argues that large-scale injections of money to bring economies out of the coronavirus coma have vindicated Modern Monetary Theory.
Corona versus culture
The pandemic closed theatres, concerts and exhibitions, imperilling many freelances. How will the creative industry re-emerge?
Assar Lindbeck: an appreciation
The Swedish economist’s life of rich activity straddled theory and policy—and painting.
Enclosing the market
Despite increasing criticism of Big Tech, the business models of leading digital companies are still widely admired. That’s a problem.
Renovating Europe: a path to green recovery
A green recovery from the pandemic would heal its social scars by quickly creating jobs and fostering inclusion.
The politics of currencies
Adam Tooze argues that worrying about the euro exchange rate and a non-existent inflation enemy in Europe must give way to fiscal and monetary demand boosts.