EconPol Europe is CESifo’s economic policy platform. With key support from the ifo Institute, it seeks to leverage CESifo’s globe-spanning network of more than 2,000 high-ranked economists – at least a dozen of whom have won the Nobel Prize – and ifo’s decades-deep research expertise to provide well-founded advice to European policymakers and to facilitate informed decisions. Drawing on the wide range of specializations of its members, EconPol’s mission is to contribute to the crafting of evidence-based, effective economic policy in the face of the rapidly evolving challenges faced by the European economies and their global partners.
The network was founded in spring 2017 by the ifo Institute, as a network of institutions. The establishment of EconPol Europe was made possible by an initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) to intensify and deepen cross-border research and cooperation in Europe. The ifo Institute was commissioned to set up this independent network, providing evidence-based policy advice to inform the economic and fiscal policy debate in Europe.
In 2022, when project financing by the BMF ended, EconPol was integrated into the responsibility of CESifo GmbH.
Latest EconPol News

Growth Target of Two Percent Achievable in Germany with Reforms
ifo President Clemens Fuest believes the German government’s growth target can basically be achieved. However, for economic growth of two percent to be possible, the government would have to implement a number of reforms. “Money alone is not enough,” says Fuest. “There are too many stumbling blocks. Germany needs to be willing to pursue reform in several areas.

EconPol Annual Conference: Videos Now Available
Videos of our EconPol Annual Conference on Climate Adaptation, including short summaries of the expert panel sessions and keynote by Kurt Vandenberghe, are now available to view on our conference website. Thank you to all speakers and participants for a truly inspiring exchange!

Population Open to Compulsory Insurance Against Climate-Related Damage
Social acceptance of compulsory natural hazard insurance in Germany is greater than assumed. “Mainly for reasons of fairness, many households are willing to support an insurance system founded on the principle of solidarity – even if they would hardly benefit directly from it themselves,” says ifo expert Marie-Theres von Schickfus.
Current Publications

EconPol Forum 02/2025: How Can the EU Better Adapt to Climate Change?
In the face of increasing climate impacts, understanding the costs, effectiveness, and socio-economic implications of adaptation is more important than ever. Adaptation refers to adjustments to ecological, social, or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects. It refers to changes in processes, practices, and structures to limit potential damage or take advantage of opportunities associated with climate change.

Complexities and Dependencies in the Global Semiconductor Value Chain

Disaster Aid, Insurance, and Fairness: Household and Firm Perceptions of Flood Policy in Germany
Topics
EconPol’s cross-border cooperation on fiscal and economic issues aims to promote growth, prosperity and social cohesion in Europe. In particular, we provide research-based contributions to the successful development of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Our tasks consist of joint interdisciplinary research in the following areas.
Publication series

EconPol Forum
EconPol Forum (formerly CESifo Forum) is a quarterly English-language journal to bring economic analysis on topics of worldwide interest along with policy advice to a broad range of policymakers and the public.

EconPol Policy Briefs
EconPol Policy Briefs are short articles providing key findings of policy-related studies and policy implications from recent policy relevant economic research. Grounded in evidence-based insights, the Policy Briefs discuss current topics in economic and fiscal policy within a wide range of specific areas of expertise.

EconPol Policy Reports
EconPol Policy Reports conduct comprehensive economic analysis on current European economic and fiscal policy issues, fostering a deeper understanding of European economic development and the implications of policy measures. The reports provide valuable insights into policy scenarios and the impact of economic policies, facilitating informed public discussions and evidence-based policy making.