What were the short and long-term consequences of the Great Recession for the public finances of countries across Europe? How did different governments respond? What were the effects of tax and spending changes on different types of households and across the income distribution? Was the crisis used as an opportunity to make needed improvements to the overall efficiency of tax systems?

This event will discuss these important questions, presenting a summary of the findings from a new special issue of the journal Fiscal Studies. This special issue describes economic trends over the Great Recession and assesses the tax and benefit reforms implemented in response by the governments of France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

 

12:00    Arrival and Lunch
12:30    Welcome Address

Eyke Peveling (Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the EU)

Presentation of Fiscal Studies Special Issue
Introduction - Andreas Peichl (ZEW)

Statements

“ The Great Recession’s Impact on the Economy, the Labour Market and Underlying Public Finances”

“Fiscal Policy Responses to the Great Recession”

Response

Gaëtan Nicodème (EU Commission)

Debate with the Audience

14:00    Beverages & Networking