The intervention of the European commission is to be considered a sign of progress on the road towards European integration and a positive consequence of the current crisis.
Laurent Hanseeuw recalls the issue of factor mobility, and labor mobility in particular, in the constitution of an optimal currency zone. When comparing to the US, European workers are reluctant to move, even in their own state.
Saying that the height of the GDP is our best standard for well-being, is just as twisted reasoned as saying that the Gross National Happiness is our best standard, argues Frank Vandenbroucke in a reaction to the discussion essay by Marc De Vos on happiness and politics.
Laurent Hanseeuw and Jean Hindriks analyze the effects of a VAT reduction for the catering industry, introduced in Belgium in 2010. First, they review the economic fundamentals pleading for such a favorable rate.
It is inconceivable to weaken rail transport in Belgium as the demographic, economic en environmental needs push us rather to strengthen it. How to justify then the suppression of almost 200 trains by December 2012?
Etienne de Callataÿ explains the economic fundamentals which lie at the basis of the euro crisis. He then details the consequences this crisis could have and possible solutions we could reach.