News & Opinions
October 1917: How it all went wrong - 25 Oct 2017
The Russian Revolution heralded a fertile period for economic thinking in the 1920s, but this was decisively killed off by Stalin. The effects of the destruction he wrought have left a long shadow. read more
Czech election: Big changes in parliament, minimal economic impact - 23 Oct 2017
A big change in policy direction is unlikely under the next government, and opposition to euro accession and refugees will remain high. The economy will be largely unaffected. read more
Catalan Independence: Economic costs could be significant - 22 Oct 2017
Those in favour of Catalan independence should not underestimate the potentially huge economic costs this would entail. A commentary by Kurt Bayer. read more
Yugoslav lessons for Catalonia - 20 Oct 2017
The key to secession is establishing fiscal autonomy and territorial control, but this will take a long time, and the accommodation of Catalan demands within federal structures should still be possible. read more
Where will all the workers go...? - 12 Oct 2017
The ‘rise of the machines’ will have little impact on overall employment levels but will lead to rising labour market inequality and changes in demand for skills, David Dorn concluded at this year’s Global Economy Lecture. read more
Ten reflections on the UK in the aftermath of Brexit - 10 Oct 2017
The UK’s decision to leave the EU provides a rare chance to see what happens when a generally stable, conservative country does something radical. It has brought into sharper focus some fascinating aspects of the country’s political culture. read more
Kurt Rothschild Prize for Philipp Heimberger - 28 Sep 2017
wiiw economist Philipp Heimberger has been awarded the Kurt Rothschild Prize for Economic Journalism for his analysis of the macroeconomic consequences of fiscal austerity measures in the eurozone. read more
New elements in renewed EU Industrial Policy Strategy - 27 Sep 2017
The EU’s recently published ‘Renewed Industrial Policy Strategy’ points towards important issues on top of strengthening competitiveness. A commentary by Robert Stehrer. read more
How do non-tariff measures matter for Austrian trade? - 21 Sep 2017
The rise of protectionism and non-tariff measures accelerated by the US should not only bother China or Mexico. Austria will also have to deal with its effects. read more
Expanding the euro area – still a long way to go - 19 Sep 2017
Though pushed by the EU Commission president, a next round of enlargement of the euro area needs to be prepared carefully. A commentary by Robert Stehrer. read more