This paper analyses the degree of inflation persistence in the EU15, the euro area and each of its member states using disaggregate price indices from the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices. Our results reveal substantial heterogeneity across countries and indices. The overall results, based on...

We compute public sector performance (PSP) and efficiency (PSE) indicators, comprising a composite and seven sub-indicators, for 23 industrialised countries. The first four sub-indicators are u0093opportunityu0094 indicators that take into account administrative, education and health outcomes...

There has been much discussion of the differences in macroeconomic performance and prospects between the US, Japan and the euro area. Using Markov-switching techniques, in this paper we identify and compare specifically their major business-cycle features and examine the case for a common...

In the transport sector, despite a number of political initiatives, the energy demands as well as greenhouse gas emissions are growing at an alarming speed. This holds true especially for road and air transport. Recent volatility in oil prices as well as the corresponding political instabilities...

Biofuels have gone from being hailed as a greenalternative to fossil fuels to being accusedof increasing global warming, causing loss offorests and other valuable habitats, and ofincreasing poverty in the developing world. This brief examines some of the key issues surrounding biofuels and...