The financial crisis that erupted during 2007 and intensified in 2008 and the ensuing economic recession led to a serious deterioration in the public finances of most advanced economies. That resulted in a sharp increase in the fiscal deficit and public debt in those countries, including...

In 2013, the total tax burden in the euro area was almost back to the level prevailing at the beginning of the century. The financial and economic crisis had initially led to a reduction in the tax burden, but fiscal consolidation has generated a rise in revenue. However, there is no general...

The sixth State reform completed at legislative level at the beginning of this year transfers powers from the federal government to the Communities and Regions. The financing of the Communities and Regions is also being adjusted. The State reform therefore has a significant influence on public...

It is increasingly recognised that fiscal rules and independent fiscal institutions other than governments and parliaments can make a major contribution to sound fiscal policy. The main arguments put forward by the specialist literature on political economy in favour of such rules and...

The article provides an overview of the use and relevance of environmental taxes in Belgium as well as in Europe. It first of all looks into the implications of opting for environmental taxation compared to more conventional environmental policy instruments. According to the analysis, no...

Following the financial and economic crisis, there was a marked increase in the public debt of the euro area countries, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan. In addition, without a change of policy, the public debt of those countries would maintain an upward trend, a key factor being...

The article is intended to contribute to the debate on public employment in Belgium by analysing the most coherent possible set of statistics on its development and characteristics. According to the national accounts definition, the general government sector employed just over 800,000 workers in...

The article outlines the current budgetary situation, explains why consolidation plans are urgently needed and provides an answer to the question as to what form those plans should preferably take. It also contains an insight into the strategies aimed at consolidating public finances. The...

Economic recovery plans make up a important part of the wide-ranging package of measures that economic policy-makers worldwide have taken in response to the financial and economic crisis. More specifically, the EU Member States have either approved or announced fiscal measures to boost economic...

The article aims to explain the redistributive character of taxes and social security contributions in Belgium, and to demonstrate the mechanisms behind that redistribution. Compared to the other EU-15 countries, Belgium has less primary income inequality. Moreover, there is a relatively high...