In June 2013, the Federal Constitutional Court in Germany held an expert hearing on the suitability of ECB measures, such as the purchase of government bonds, and their compatibility with existing EU and German legislation. The statements of five invited experts are documented here. The authors...

Extraction of shale gas in Germany (fracking) is better left as an option for the future. Today, owners of deposits in many other countries have uncertain property rights and extract too quickly. German deposits may appreciate in value if left in the ground. They also better contribute to...

Even though governments usually enjoy favourable borrowing conditions, the current financial system in Europe grants special privileges to government debt. This involves capital requirements in banking regulation, ECB policies, intergovernmental guarantees, etc. The paper gives a short outline...

The current debate on tax planning has to distinguish between tax evasion and aggressive tax planning. While tax evasion is illegal and requires the enhanced exchange of information, measures against aggressive tax planning seem to be very complex and complicated. Tax havens’ benefits from tax...

Die Debatte über Offshore-Leaks und die sehr geringen Steuerzahlungen großer multinationaler Konzerne haben das öffentliche Interesse auf das Problem 'Steueroasen' gelenkt. Wenn Konzerne Steuersatzunterschiede zwischen verschiedenen Ländern ausnutzen, kann Steuergestaltung durchaus legal...

Anläßlich eines Symposiums, veranstaltet vom neu gegründeten Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit (IZA) in Bonn, legten sechs Ökonomen in einer „Petersberger Erklärung' Thesen zur Arbeitsmarktpolitik vor. Nachfolgend der Wortlaut der Erklärung