The quality of public finances and economic growth : proceedings to the annual Workshop on Public Finances (Brussels, 28 November 2008)

What role can better quality of public finances play in supporting Europe's long-term economic growth prospects? This question was at the centre of the 2008 European Commission workshop on public finances. It was largely motivated by the pressures put on European economies and their budgets from ageing populations and increased globalisation. However, the on-going financial crisis has given the issue an even greater prominence. Current fiscal stimulus packages not only include short-term measures, but particularly aim to also have a lasting impact on growth, often referred to as ensuring a high quality of public finances. The Workshop papers presented and analysed a number of policy options, ranging from the role of growth-enhancing public expenditure, in particular public infrastructure, and more generally the provision of public capital, the role of institutions, tax policy and the interaction of short-term counter-cyclical fiscal policy and long-term growth