Based on four empirical studies, this thesis investigates the interrelation of corporate governance, information intermediation, and earnings management. First, the thesis complements the discussion initiated by the European Securities and Market Authorities about the role of proxy advisors at...

The three essays of this dissertation contribute to the measurement of European economic integration and investigate the welfare effects of the European countries. The first study presents a newly developed index – the EU Index – which measures the extent of economic integration into the...