WIIW The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies - Wiener Institut für Internationale Wirtschaftsvergleiche

Political issues may take up much of the agenda, but the administration will need to address the trade deficit, deficiencies in education and weak labour productivity. read more

If an agreement is reached, the Macedonian government is in a strong position to approve it. From the Greek side it could be more challenging. read more

Most are focused on tariffs, yet non-compliance with non-tariff measures and regulations is likely to be more distortive and needs more attention. read more

Political noise notwithstanding, the region’s economies are in a sweet spot, and should continue to ride the booming Eurozone wave this year. read more

The government has missed the chance to highlight areas where Bulgaria is being unfairly treated by the EU. read more

Major reforms have been enacted, but a new wiiw study argues that the introduction of inflation targeting and increase in the effective retirement age will do more harm than good. read more

Current discussions over reform are running into familiar (German) obstacles, but politicians should act now while the economic backdrop is favourable. read more

The Belt and Road Initiative creates global opportunities and challenges. Though hotly debated in the EU, geographically and economically, the core of the strategy lies in Asia. read more

Workers will continue to move from EU-CEE to Western Europe, but Brexit and better prospects at home will keep the numbers lower than in the last decade. read more

The large current account deficit leaves the economy vulnerable to a hike in US rates or a change in investor sentiment. read more