Abstract This paper examines the economic implications of the posted workers law. The law provides that employment regulations such as minimum wages in the German construction sector are to be applied to both German and foreign companies operating in Germany. By choosing such an interventionist...

Abstract The article discusses recent judgements of the German Federal Constitutional Court concerning the German tax system. In a landmark decision from June 26, 1995, the judges not only ruled the former German wealth and inheritage unconstitutionally, but also put forward general rules to...

Abstract The German Government is planning an ecologically orientated tax reform. The draft consists of two parts, an increase in energy taxes and a government subsidy to the national old age pension system in order to reduce direct contributions of the labor force to the pension system. The...

Abstract Johann Eekhoff deals with the employment of low skilled workers. He recommends not to subsidize recipients of social security, but to offer them unpaid jobs, so that they get a chance to render their services in return of the received social aid, to train their skills, and to improve...

Abstract In this paper Bernd Raffelhüschen gives some insights into the political decision making process which changed the latest German pension reform from a fundamental step towards sustainability into a reform to be reformed. Nevertheless, he explains that the pension reform still bears a...

Abstract There are three main reasons that call for substantial reforms in European Agricultural Policy: the financial burden on the European economy, development and trade-related issues, and the upcoming eastern enlargement of the European Union. All three factors exert pressure into the...

Abstract Even in a capital funded health insurance system, competition between insurance companies is restricted. This is due to the fact that the insured who contribute to the capital fund are not allowed to transfer part of the capital fund if they change the insurer. This article deals with...

Abstract Health care systems desperately need efficiency and demographic stability. Otherwise contributions will increase rapidly and health services will deteriorate. A promising way is to transform the pay-as-you-go insurance system into a capital-funded system. Capital-funded systems are...