Zusammenfassung: Die aktuell erzielten Überschüsse in den öffentlichen Haushalten legen die Schlussfolgerung nahe, dass in den kommenden Jahren erhebliche Spielräume für deren Verwendung bestehen. Während im herannahenden Wahlkampf die Rufe nach verschiedenen Varianten von...

Summary The accuracy of macroeconomic forecast depends on various factors, most importantly the mix of analytical methods used by the individual forecasters, the way that their personal experience is shaping their identification strategies, but also their efficiency in translating new...

Summary As part of its efforts to reach the targets of the Kyoto Protocol, the European Commission published in December 2008 a resolution on a new directive to reduce the per-kilometer CO2 emissions of newly registered automobiles. This paper critically assesses this resolution with respect to...

Abstract The allure of an environmentally benign, abundant, and cost-effective energy source has led an increasing number of industrialized countries to back public financing of renewable energies. Germany’s experience with renewable energy promotion is often cited as a model to be replicated...

Summary Government agencies and other national and international institutions are asked to perform forecasts over the medium term. In particular, the EU Stability and Growth Pact contains the obligation to formulate stability programmes over four years, covering a general economic outlook as...

Summary Interaction effects capture the impact of one explanatory variable on the marginal effect of another explanatory variable. To explore interaction effects, so-called interaction terms are typically included in estimation specifications. While in linear models the effect of a marginal...

Abstract In Europe’s Emission Trading System (ETS), prices for emission permits have remained low for many years now. This fact gave rise to controversies on whether there is a need for fundamentally reforming the ETS. Potential reform proposals include the introduction of a minimum price for...

Zusammenfassung: Dieser Artikel untersucht auf Basis einer Befragung von mehr als 5.000 Haushaltsvorständen, wie viel sie für Versorgungssicherheit mit Strom zu zahlen bereit sind. Alternativ zur Zahlungsbereitschaft (willingness to pay, WTP) wird auch nach der Bereitschaft gefragt, gegen eine...