DYNAMIC SCORING OF TAX REFORMS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

In this paper, we present the first dynamic scoring exercise linking a microsimulation and a dynamic general equilibrium model for Europe. We illustrate our novel methodology analyzing hypothetical reforms of the social insurance contributions system in Belgium. Our approach takes into account the feedback effects resulting from adjustments and behavioral responses in the labor market and the economy‐wide reaction to the tax policy changes essential for a comprehensive evaluation of the reforms. We find that the self‐financing effect of a reduction in employers’ social insurance contribution is substantially larger than that of a comparable reduction in employees’ social insurance contributions.     

Is the erecting of barriers against foreign Sovereign Wealth Funds compatible with international investment law？

The impact of overseas investments by Sovereign Wealth Funds （SWFs） is increasingly causing alarm in destination countries. Many western governments show high concern with SWFs investing in some of their strategic economic sectors, such as energy or high technologies. Consequently, several of these governments have issued new domestic rules to control and even cancel investments operated by SWFs, or are about to do so. The aim of this work is to assess the compatibility of these new legislations with international investment law.