Tag: Sven R. Larson

Romania’s Economic Fork in the Road

Facing a major budget gap, Bucharest must choose: fix the deficit or launch a broader economic rescue. So far, Prime Minister Bolojan has shown little leadership to do either.

Slovakia Is Next on the Fiscal Cutting Board

Slovakia faces the same budget dilemma as Germany. Whether Prime Minister Fico will match Chancellor Merz’s bold move to announce an end to the welfare state remains to be seen.

Social Welfare in Europe: Stingy or Generous?

As some countries ramp up social benefits to strengthen emerging welfare states, others are scaling back in a bid to rein in systems that have grown beyond what their tax bases can sustain.

two sets of hands in suits pulling a euro sign apart so it's ripping

Inflation Creates a Two-Tiered Euro Zone

Eurostat says inflation looks calm—but beneath the surface, a worrying split is emerging. Polarized inflation poses a serious challenge for the ECB and an increasingly hands-on Brussels.