Think Tanks & Civil Societies Program Virtual European Summit of the University of Pennsylvania
Economic Research Institute JSC participated in the 2021 Think Tanks Virtual European Summit of the University of Pennsylvania (Think Tanks & Civil Societies Program. The Lauder Institute University of Pennsylvania. The 2021 Virtual European Summit).
The speakers of the event were professors and representatives of leading institutes and research centers in Europe, such as:
- Institute of International Relations (Italy),
- Carnegie Europe (Belgium),
- Danish Institute for International Studies (Denmark),
- French Institute of International Relations (France),
- Center for European Political Studies (Belgium),
- Global and European Policy Department FES (Germany),
- McKinsey Global Institute (Switzerland),
- Elcano Royal Institute (Spain),
- Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (Greece),
- Egmont Institute (Belgium),
- Clingendael (the Netherlands),
- Institut Montaigne (France),
- Bruegel (Germany),
- Chatham House (United Kingdom).
- McKinsey Global Institute (Switzerland),
- Elcano Royal Institute (Spain),
- Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (Grezi ya),
- Egmont Institute (Belgium),
- Clingendael (the Netherlands),
- Institut Montaigne (France),
- Bruegel (Germany),
- Chatham House (United Kingdom).
The virtual summit discussed the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience of European countries and recommendations for economic recovery. Political, economic and social aspects of the coronavirus impact on the UN countries were highlighted.
Highlights:
Spain
— Weaknesses: poor sanitation, decentralized governance, high dependence of the economy on tourism and services, low level of digitization, poo.organization of social services.
— Strengths: high level of public awareness of compliance with regulations and health standards, high level of public acceptance, active and proactive action by government agencies in emergency, high level of vaccination (over 80%), support to the unemployed.
Denmark
— about 80% of vaccinated
— the quarantine regime has been canceled (only masks)
— the difference of quarantine measures with neighboring countries
The Netherlands
— increase in inflation and household consumption
— vulnerable population has suffered the most: the older generation, immigrants and the poor
— European migration crisis
— growing inequality
Germany
— 65% vaccinated
— completion of public investment
— victory of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) in elections
— availability of education and housing affordability
— anti-vaccine movement
Greece
— COVID-19 as a catalyst for responding to the crisis
— low level of medical facilities
— adoption of quarantine measures
— European solidarity
Italy
— Prime Minister Mario Draghi's accession to power
— economic effect of the coronavirus
— National Economic Recovery Plan (EUR 250 bln)
— digitalization, transition to green economy
— bureaucracy, pensions and tax system
France
— criticism of centralized government
— weak regions
— social effect: inequality
— preventive measures: combating unemployment, state support
— green economy, overcoming stagnation, public debt, national security
Belgium
— Weaknesses: export orientation, Brexit negative effect, slow response by authorities
— Strengths: effective preventive measures, 74% of vaccinated
— Transition from legislative to executive management regime.
The summit summarized that the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the weaknesses of globalization and the world economy. There is a pressing issue of inequality, both between and within the countries. The participants also noted the high level of vaccination in Europe and other developed countries, despite the large number of vaccine refusers.
ERI's participation in such seminars contributes to the development of partnerships with analytical centers in other countries.
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In 2019, ERI ranked 6th in the 2019 Top Think Tanks in Central Asia in the rating of leading analytical centers, Global Go To Think Tank Index Report, , Lauder Institute, University of Pennsylvania.
