Gas-fired power plants are increasingly used in the production of electricity, which in turn makes them a relevant part of the gas demand. In this paper, we investigate whether the current designs of gas and power markets are robust to the relatively new link between industries. Specifically, we...

Democratic conditionality accession clauses have become increasingly common in certain international organisations. Similarly, provisions on suspension of membership because of breaches of democratic order have emerged. Why do regional organisations introduce these kin of clauses? In most cases,...

The value of world trade has increased 27-fold since 1950, three time more that the growth of global GDP. An increasing share of that trade involves international supply chains and the global fragmentation of production. But many countries do not participate intensively in this process. One...

Capacity remuneration mechanisms are a widespread instrument to foster investment. The growing interest in electricity storage raises the question how these mechanisms interact with storage plants. Using a stylized capacity planning model, we demonstrate that an exclusion of storage plants from...

This paper discusses the challenges that confront the WTO, inspired by the recent appointment of a new Director-General for the organization and various views that have been expressed by knowledgeable observers as to how these challenges should be addressed. The paper focuses in particular on...

With the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) expiring in 2020, the EU needs to revisit its energy technology policy for the post-2020 horizon and to establish a policy framework that fosters the achievement of ambitious EU commitments for decarbonization by 2050. We discuss...

Strategic interaction between gas and electricity sectors is a major issue in the implementation of competitive energy markets. One relevant aspect of the problem is the potential for input foreclosure between gas and power industries. In this paper, we are concerned with situations where input...

We analyse competition between vertically-integrated operators who build infrastructure and provide access in different geographical areas. Under full commitment, the regulator sets socially-optimal access rates that depend on the local degree of infrastructure competition. If he can only commit...

I discuss both the causes and consequences of the Internet being squeezed by copyright proponents. The striking fact is that while this squeeze has a broad and negative impact on society broadly, it brings very little benefit to the copyright proponents. The implication for the governance of the...

How can economic theory be useful in WTO arbitrations? Motivated by this question, this paper reviews the approach that is often used to determine the level of permissible retaliation in international trade disputes (the, so called, "trade effect" approach), and its implementation under specific...