bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Entsendegesetz - eine Aushöhlung der Wirtschaftsordnung
Authors: Eekhoff Johann 
Published: May 2016

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 instrument, its impact is rather harmful to the economy, leading actually to an exclusion of Portuguese, Irish and other employees from the German labour market. Thereby the law not only prevents the convergence of living conditions within the European Union but also increases the costs of construction and living in Germany. Another consequence of the law is that the demand for protectionist instruments in other sectors and countries will become stronger. In order to improve the social and employment conditions in Europe, the paper therefore suggests to introduce more instead of less competition in the German labour market.
Marktwirtschaft und Subsidiarität: Die föderative Arbeitsteilung auf dem Prüfstand
Authors: Laaser Claus-Friedrich , Stehn Jürgen 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The article analyses whether the efficiency of economic policy decisions in national and supranational communities can be improved by deepening the division of labor between different levels of government. Using a model based on the theory of fiscal federalism, normative criteria for the optimal vertical distribution of authority are developed. A comparison between the derived optimality conditions and the factual distribution of authority in the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Union indicates that in Germany as well as within the EU a decentralisation of economic policy authority would be welfare-improving.
Zur wirtschaftspolitischen Nützlichkeit von Konjunkturprognosen
Authors: Helmstädter Ernst , Hüther Michael , Langfeldt Enno 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The economic policy forum deals with the question of whether economic policies need economic forecasts. Principally, all three authors agree on their usefulness. However, while Ernst Helmstädter argues that such forecasts can improve the decisions of economic policy-makers, he identifies the making of forecasts as the main problem. In order to enhance the predictive power of forecasts and thus their usefulness for economic policy, he suggests to focus more at cyclical regularities which can be observed for important economic indicators such as exports and investments.
Michael Hüther ascertains that the requirements to economic forecasts have changed over the years. Nowadays, the potential for economic growth and its determinants have become more significant. Thus the instruments of economic policy aim at an increasing steadiness of the economy. Nevertheless, there is still a need for economic forecasts. However, the focus has changed from short-term to medium-term forecasts.
Enno Langfeldt remarks that forecast errors are usually higher when there is a turnaround of the economy. This is due to a time lag in the availability of economic data and wrong assumptions about the development of important indicators. According to him, there is a potential to improve the forecasting procedure by using modern methodological techniques. By doing so economic policy-makers, firms and households can profit from economic forecasts.
Sektorale Strukturpolitik als Beschäftigungspolitik
Authors: Thuy Peter 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Since the beginning of the 1980ies structural reasons have been said to be responsible for the persistent high level of unemployment. Therefore the search for structural theories, explaining the determinants of employment has been intensified.
Especially Fourastié’s Three-Sector-Hypothesis seems to justify efforts to expand the service sector through structural policy. But the empirical test of this hypothesis shows that there is no systematic coherence between the service sector’s size and the degree of economic development respectively the rate of unemployment.
It is impossible to identify branches, the promotion of which would be able to remove unemployment in the long run. Therefore the only way to raise employment is the refreshment of the market forces. But structural consequences of this process cannot be predicted - and even need not be.
Neo-liberale Wirtschaftsordnung und wirtschaftliche Entwicklung in Lateinamerika
Authors: Schweickert Rainer 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Latin American countries could only avoid to fall further behind their East Asian competitors if they adopt neo-liberal reforms. This is because external help cannot substitute for internal reforms and because Latin American countries lack the basis for cooperative policy implementation which allows for East Asian style interventionism. The success of Argentina’s ‘Plan de Convertibilidad’ demonstrates that neo-liberal reforms even pay off in the short run.
Wirtschaftspolitische Perspektiven des Industriestandortes Nordrhein-Westfalen
Authors: Clement Wolfgang 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Due to the progressive globalization of the economy the industry in Northrhine Westfalia faces new challenges. Structural changes are necessary in order to adopt successfully to the changing environment. Northrhine Westfalia possesses locational assets such as its infrastructure, stable political conditions and the qualification of its employees, which are rated positively by enterprises. In order to strengthen the competitiveness of its economy there is, however, still a need for political action. Examples of a successful industrial policy include support for a co-ordinated initiative by the car industry, the development of a transport registration system in order to make the transport infrastructure more efficient, support for an initiative by trade unions and business associations aimed at improving the educational system, financial support for research and development in high tech sectors and the setting up of new enterprises.
Finanzpolitik in der EWU – Vorschläge zur Stabilitätsorientierung der öffentlichen Haushalte
Authors: Nerlich Carolin 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The article analyses whether the European Monetary Union (EMU) requires the imposition of strict and binding constraints on national government budget policies. It shows that economic stability of the EMU could be endangered, mainly because of the insufficient credibility of the “no bail-out” rule. The consequences would be excessive budget deficits, upward pressure on interest rates and high inflation in Europe. Further on the paper examines the effectiveness of budgetary rules. In order to improve fiscal discipline sanctions are needed, if the participating countries fail to meet the ceilings.
Löhne, Wechselkurse und Beschäftigung
Authors: Suntum Ulrich van 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
In recent time it has been argued that Germanys international competitiveness had suffered more from the strong D-Mark than from the national wage level. As a proof it has been pointed to the relative impact of these two factors on the level of German unit labour costs, measured in terms of international currency.
It is shown that neither the real exchange rate nor international unit labour costs are an unambiguous indicator of international competitiveness. On the other hand, the seemingly naive indicator of the rise in unit labour costs in national currency is by far more relevant in evaluating the impact of the wage level on national employment, at least in the long run. This is true in case of flexible as well as in the case of fixed exchange rates and also in case of a currency union. Moreover, it is argued that a flexible exchange rate will never do the job of outweighing the negative effects on employment caused by a rise in wages which is in excess of the rise in productivity. Hence with flexible exchange rates national real wage policy must bee eaqually aware of employment needs like with fixed exchange rates or in case of a currency union.
Politische Institutionenökonomik multilateraler Entwicklungshilfe
Authors: Gelbhaar Siegfried 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The article analyses the economic rationality of multilateral arrangements in foreign aid policy. In the centre of attention is a comparison of patterns of valuation taken from the theory of welfare concerning selected forms of international co-operation. Furthermore, the paper discusses patterns of explanation for the coming into being and the function of multilateral organisations from a publicchoice- perspective. The result of politico-economic evaluation is ambivalent: On the one hand those institutions reduce the transparency and the possibility of democratic and parliamentary control of international politics respectively. Thus, the structural efficiency of the aims of political programs could be endangered. Furthermore specific agency-problems aggravate the conditions for the realisation of political aims at minimum cost. On the other hand multilateral organisations open up a special strategic set of action for democratically elected politicians upon which institutions such as the IMF or the World Bank could at least possibly foster economic welfare.
Umwelt- und Sozialdumping: Argumente gegen freien Welthandel?
Authors: Adlung Rudolf , Langhammer Rolf J. , Klemmer Paul 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This economic policy forum deals with the question of whether environmental and social dumping justifies countervailing trade policy measures. Rolf Langhammer and Rudolf Adlung both argue that there is no need for such policy measures. Langhammer first questions the effectiveness of anti-dumping procedures in general, since their effect on domestic economies is rather detrimental. He then argues that due to different preferences and factor endowments prices for environment and labour vary between countries. Trade policy measures in order to adjust these price differences would be contra-productive for protecting the environment and the rights of employees. On the contrary, they would reduce economic growth in these countries, which is necessary for a higher level of environmental protection and employee rights. Therefore he rejects the idea of introducing anit-dumping measures with regard to environmental and social objectives.
Adlung addresses the question of whether the WTO is an adequate forum for establishing worldwide environmental and social standards. He contends that this is not the case since the WTO provides a framework for trade policy in order to improve the efficiency of markets by reducing state interventions. The inclusion of environmental and social policy objectives in the WTO would have the opposite effect because it would give states an argument for protectionist measures. Therefore he suggests that environmental and social policy aspects should be dealt with in different fora such as the International Labour Organisation.
Paul Klemmer holds that protectionist measures might be justified if environmental policies have trade distortive effects. However, so far empirical studies have not proved that divergent international environmental standards lead to negative economic effects. Furthermore, in order to take any action against a country it has to be proved that the country purposefully imposes intolerable damage on its eco-system or its population. Yet, due to methodological problems, it is rather difficult to judge whether a certain policy can be considered to be one of environmental dumping. Hence, protectionist measures are rather inappropriate to avert environmental dumping.
Zur Frage der realwirtschaftlichen Konvergenz in der Europäischen Union
Authors: Molitor Christian 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The paper examines theoretical and empirical aspects of convergence in the European Union. Whether the European economies will converge in the future or not, cannot be determined by theoretical reasonning. Neoclassical models predict convergence, endogenous growth models and new regional economics allow for divergence. However, the empirical results for the EU suggest slow (absolute) convergence between the national economies in the past. The economies seem to belong to the same “convergence-club”. The autonomous role of wage policy for the convergence process - somewhat neglected in most theoretical models - as well as some policy implications of the results are also discussed.
Zum Wort der Kirche zur wirtschaftlichen und sozialen Lage in Deutschland
Authors: Homeyer Josef , Hax Herbert , Habisch André 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This economic policy forum is assigned to the position of the church on the economic and political situation in Germany. Bishop Joseph Homeyer presents the origin, content and intention of the position of the church, in order to illustrate how the two German churches, the catholic and the protestant, perceive their social and political responsibility. Homeyer shows that the churches launched a process of consultation where all groups of the society were invited to present their positions. In a second step the churches analysed three major challenges: mass unemployment, the crisis of the social state and globalisation. Based on this analysis a consens on four issues has been considered to be crucial for the future society: 1) both freedom and personal responsibility are important, 2) economic competition needs to take into account social and ecological aspects, 3) solidarity and justice require a fair distribution of burdens and 4) the principle of subsidiarity has to be properly implemented.
Herbert Hax criticizes the position of the church by focusing on three issues: 1) the definition of poverty, 2) the remarks on social and family policy and 3) the propositions on reducing unemployment. On the issue of poverty, Hax questions the criteria used for defining poverty. He argues that they are rather relative and therefore more appropriate to define ineqality. However he considers inequality to be necessary as an incentive for performance. Although the churches stress the principle of solidarity it seems that their demands concerning familiy policy contradict this principle. On unemployment the author rather doubts whether the propositions made by the churches will solve the problem of high unemployment.
André Habisch analyses the position of the church from a historical perspective. He argues that traditionally the church in Germany has had a rather sceptical view on the performance of markets. This is due to its role as an institution that feels responsible for poor and weak people. However, by looking at the position of the church in more detail, one can notice that the church supports the social market economy as a model for the future. Also on globalisation the church is not as negative as one might think. Both risks and chances are assessed by them. Although some particular positions of the church deserve to be criticized, overall the author agrees with the church in adding an ethic dimension to the economic analysis.
Ausgestaltung und Wirkung einer ökologischen Steuerreform
Authors: Klepper Gernot , Scholz Christian M. , Peffekoven Rolf , Weizsäcker Ernst Ulrich von 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This economic policy forum deals with the design and impact of an ecological tax reform. Gernot Klepper and Christian M. Scholz argue that the various effects of an ecological tax reform cannot be discussed separately. Rather, allocative effects and fiscal policy aspects have to be considered together. While they agree that ecological taxes might improve environmental quality, they reject the assertion that there are also positive welfare effects arising from such a tax reform. Instead, they consider it as likely that eco taxes cause negative employment effects. At most, these negative employment effects can be prevented. However, for doing so, it is necessary to use the additional tax revenues for reducing wage costs. In addition, trade unions would have to forgo wage increases.
Rolf Peffekoven agrees with Klepper and Scholz as to the effects of an ecological tax reform: A better environmental quality and economic efficiency cannot be realized simultaneously. He then points out some problems which may arise when eco taxes are introduced. For instance, eco taxes imply a conflict between fiscal and environmental objectives (tax revenues and reduction of pollution). Furthermore, in order to achieve the objective of a better environmental quality it is important to determine the correct tax rate and tax base. Thereby one has to bear in mind that if only one country decides to introduce eco taxes competitive distortions and a shift of production to other countries would be the result.
In contrast to the previous contributions Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker argues that a properly dimensioned ecological tax reform may cause ecological and economic benefits. While he acknowledges the arguments against such a tax reform, he claims that there are three strong arguments in favour of an environmental tax reform: the increasing need for climate protection, the creation of an adequate economic incentive structure, and the reduction of other taxes and fees which are more damaging than energy taxes. In addition, he proposes to cut all subsidies to the energy, transport and agricultural sector since they have not only a harmful effect on the environment but are also inefficient in economic terms.
Agenda 2000 und zukünftige Entwicklungszusammenarbeit der Europäischen Union Öffentliches Interesse vs. private Eigentumsrechte - Wettbewerbsprobleme in der Gaswirtschaft
Authors: Urff Winfried von , Schmitz P. Michael , Hagedorn Konrad , Eggers Jörg 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This economic policy forum is assigned to the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) with a view to the Agenda 2000. Thereby Winfried von Urff discusses the implications of the Agenda 2000 for developing countries. He argues that the implementation of the Agenda proposals would result at most in rather modest price increases on the markets for agricultural products. Therefore there will be no serious impact on developing countries. In the second part of his paper von Urff discusses the future relationship between the EU and the ACP countries. Thereby he analyses the Lomé Convention as a regional agreement that focuses on rural and agricultural development by allocating grants and loans to 70 ACP countries. He argues that the public should pay more attention to this issue.
Michael Schmitz analyses the distributive and allocative effects of the reform of the CAP as outlined in the Agenda 2000. In general, he supports the Agenda 2000 initiative by the European Commission, because in his view it continues the 1992 CAP reform by reducing product related subsidies and encouraging farmers to use less intensive production methods. However, on some issues he also criticises the Agenda 2000. For instance, the Commission does not specify how to achieve a stronger efficiency control of its measures. Overall, the Commission fails to clearly commit itself to a market driven CAP. There remain too many interventionist elements.
Konrad Hagedorn and Jörg Eggers analyse the environmental effects of the proposed CAP reform. Thereby they focus on the nitrogen problem. They show that the proposals of the Agenda 2000 will not result in a significant reduction of nitrogen as a main source of water pollution. Compensatory payments granted to farmers in order to offset the effects of price reductions might have the desired distributive effects. However, even if they are made conditioned upon fulfilling environmental criteria, they will not achieve the aim of a sustainable agriculture. Therefore they present an alternative model for agricultural production methods that is more likely to have a positive ecological impact.
Überlebt der Flächentarifvertrag die Globalisierung?
Authors: Stumpfe Werner 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Due to the ongoing globalization of markets and enterprises labour and management face new challenges when negotiating collective wage agreements. Yet, this does not mean that nationwide collective wage agreements should be abolished. Rather, there is a need to reform them. To be able to adjust successfully to a rapidly changing environment, collective agreements have to be made more flexible. In particular, a new distribution of rule-making competencies between the social partners at the industry level on the one hand and the social partners at the company level on the other hand is needed. In future, the main task of labour and management at the industry level will be to establish a framework with general rules. The social partners at the company level will have to agree within this given framework upon specific working conditions according to the individual requirements of firms.
Stabilitätspakt – Eine fiktive ex-post Anwendung und reale Probleme der Zukunft
Authors: Sutter Matthias 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This article deals with the stability and growth pact approved of by the EU’s heads of state or government in Amsterdam in June 1997. The pact’s aim is to provide budgetary discipline in Stage 3 of the European Monetary Union in order to ensure a stable common currency and the European Central Bank’s independence. Excessive deficits are evaluated by taking into account real GDP growth. A hypothetical application of the stability pact for the period 1979 to 1996 shows considerable problems for some future EMU-members if structural deficits are not reduced before entering EMU. The credibility of the stability pact within EMU will depend upon timely and exact statistical data as well as on a strict application of its rules. On both accounts there remain doubts.
Zur Theorie des Currency Boards
Authors: Fuhrmann Wilfried 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Α Currency Board (CB) does not fly on its own wings. Monetary stabilization requires more than establishing a CB. Of course, the fixing of the exchange rate to an adequate anchor currency, a reserve ratio of 100 per cent for the monetary base (and by this foreign reserves) and, in avoidance of a reduced reputation, transparent rules for changes by a qualified majority in parliament only are important characteristics. Further indispensable essentials are an effective banking-supervision as well as the control of the money-creation on the base of domestic sources by means of a minimum-reserve-requirement, especially in countries under transition, or other efficient measures. This may be done by an independent central bank with additional boards, as there are a Banking Board and a Supervision- Agency, beside the CB.
The foreign reserves, the independent central bank with given rules for the CB and efficient capital markets are important factors for the credibility of the CB-solution. However, most important is the social consensus. And at least, it has to be covered by fiscal stability and by (reforms of) the real-sectors and its integration into the international markets.
A Currency Board is a corner stone within an efficiency- and market-oriented framework, enforcing a convergent development of the country. Interpreting a CB with its fixed rules as a suboptimal solution (compared to a more flexible discretionary policy) as well as a temporary institutionalization (or even as the lesser evil) means to reduce its credibility from the very beginning, higher capital costs and to create severe problems when (creepingly) switching to a regime with more national monetary autonomy and flexibilities. A Currency Board goes with economic reasoning and stands in contrast to politicians freedom of scope.