Publications
An important goal of the ifo Institute is to make its scientific findings, analyses, survey results, and statements accessible to as many people as possible. We therefore offer a wide range of publications for different target groups with the aim of stimulating economic policy debate. Here, our own authors as well as members of the ifo’s wider networks and other experts have the opportunity to publish relevant findings and debate them publicly.
EU Single Market for Services Could Increase Economic Output by 2.3%
A sweeping removal of barriers in the EU single market for services would increase gross value added by 2.3% or EUR 353 billion permanently (in 2023 prices). The calculations were done for a medium- to long-term time horizon of between ten and twelve years.
German Manufacturing Sees Threat To Its Competitiveness
The competitiveness of German manufacturing within the EU and on global markets has been deteriorating for two years. Companies have reported falling behind in terms of competitiveness within the EU since the third quarter of 2022. The situation is similar on the global markets (outside the EU).
Work Visa Agreements Between EU And Third Countries Could Reduce Asylum Applications
The ifo Institute proposes work visa agreements between the EU and safe third countries as a way to reduce the number of asylum applications and irregular immigration. “This would enable legal and controlled immigration,” notes ifo expert Panu Poutvaara.
Business Climate Of The Self-Employed In Germany Improved
The business climate for solo self-employed and microenterprises in Germany improved somewhat in April, climbing to -13.8 points after -15.6 in March. Dissatisfaction with current business has decreased slightly, as has skepticism regarding expectations for the next six months. The signal coming from service providers is particularly positive.
ifo Schnelldienst 5/2024 Is Out: Europe 2024
On June 9th, EU citizens will elect a new European Parliament. Shortly thereafter, a new EU Commission will also commence. In the new issue of the ifo Schnelldienst, "Europe 2024 - Setting the Course for Sustainable and Successful Economic Development", authors discuss topics for a new EU agenda.
European Cooperation Can Reduce Costs Of Climate Action By Billions by 2050
Joint energy and climate action policy in the EU could save European countries EUR 248 billion between 2024 and 2050, with Germany alone saving EUR 66 billion. “Joint climate action is always better than national climate action,” explains ifo-expert Mathias Mier.
Business Climate in Germany’s Chemical Industry Improved
The business climate in Germany’s chemical industry improved in April, finds the latest ifo survey. The index rose to -6.0 points, up from -10.1 in March. “The chemical industry is somewhat more confident about the coming months,” notes ifo-expert Anna Wolf.
Educational Opportunities Differ Markedly Between Germany’s Federal States
The educational opportunities of children and young people in Germany differ significantly between the federal states. An unfavorable family background has the least negative impact on children in Berlin, 53.8%, and Brandenburg, 52.8%. Nationwide, the figure is 44.6%. At the lower end are Saxony with 40.1 and Bavaria with 38.1%.
Half Of Germany’s Residential Construction Companies Are Short On Orders
Residential construction in Germany is experiencing an order shortage. More than half the companies, 55.2%, in this industry reported a lack of orders in April. In March, the figure was 56.2%. “Housebuilders are looking for signs of hope,” notes Klaus Wohlrabe, “but there’s no end to the crisis in sight.”
Lack Of Orders Slows Down The German Economy
The order shortage in Germany has worsened and is an obstacle to the economy. In April, 39.5% of manufacturing companies reported a lack of orders, up from 36.9% in January. In the service sector, the proportion rose from 32.1% to 32.4%. “The lack of orders is hampering economic development in Germany,” explains Klaus Wohlrabe.
Covid-19 Economic Assistance In Bavaria Reached All Affected Industries
In Bavaria, Covid-19 bridging aid was received mainly by the many smaller companies with fewer than 50 employees and in those industries particularly affected by the pandemic, finds a study by the ifo commissioned by Chamber of Commerece and Industry (IHK) for Munich and Upper Bavaria.
War in Ukraine: Negative Effects in North and East Europe
Economic experts in Northern and Eastern Europe are seeing the negative impact of the war in Ukraine on the political and economic situation in their countries particularly clearly. This is a finding of the Economic Experts Survey (EES) conducted by the ifo Institute and the Swiss Economic Policy Institute (IWP).
Poor Report for Germany As A Business Location
According to the latest ifo Economists Panel, economics professors gave Germany a grade of just 3.4 (on a scale of 1 to 6, 1 being the best score) when compared to other business locations. This is according to the latest ifo Economists Panel. A grade of 3 was awarded by 38% of respondents, 20% gave a 2, 17% a 4, and 20% a 5.
Sentiment In The German Automotive Industry Improves
The business climate in Germany’s automotive industry brightened again in April, rising to -1.5 points, up from -5.3 in March. “Companies in Germany’s automotive industry rate their current business situation as slightly better, but more importantly, their outlook once again turned much less pessimistic than in March,” explains ifo-expert Anita Wölfl.
Business Climate Eastern Germany Rises a Second Time in a Row
The ifo Business Climate Index Eastern Germany rose considerably in April from 90.2 in March to 92.3 points. The eastern German companies surveyed provided assessments of their business situation that were somewhat better than the previous month, and they raised their business expectations substantially.
Business Climate In German Retail Improves Again
The ifo Business Climate in retail brightened further in April and rose to -14.5 points, up from -17.5 in March. Assessments of the current business situation improved significantly. Retailers’ business expectations also became somewhat more optimistic, but remain largely cautious.
ifo Price Expectations Rise Slightly
The ifo price expectations for companies in Germany rose a little to 15.1 points in April, up from 14.3 in March. “Inflation is unlikely to fall any further in the coming months and is set to remain at just over 2%,” says ifo-expert Sascha Möhrle.
ifo Employment Barometer Falls
The ifo Employment Barometer for companies in Germany slipped to 96.0 points in April, down from 96.3 in March. “A lack of orders is causing some companies to put the brakes on hiring,” ifo-expert Klaus Wohlrabe explains. “But service providers in some industries, such as data processing and tourism, are taking people on.”
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The jubilee year of ifo and CESifo is titled "75 Years of ifo – 75 Stories." Visit us now at celebrate.ifo.de, the anniversary website showcasing people, places, and times that are significant to the history of our institute in the context of our anniversary year. Explore the first batch of multimedia content now and celebrate with us!
German Export Expectations Fall
Sentiment in the German export industry has clouded over a little. The ifo Export Expectations fell to -2.0 points in April, down from -1.2 in March. “The export economy lacks momentum at present. While the global economy offers many good prospects for growth, these aren’t yet being reflected in additional orders”, explains ifo-expert Klaus Wohlrabe.