After three days of secret meetings and pledges in Brussels, European Union leaders emerged from the conference rooms with consensus candidates for the most important political posts in the bloc. The biggest surprise of the four nominations is that of current IMF chief Christine Lagarde, who is set to succeed Mario Draghi as ECB president. Although …
More »2019.07
A Europe of failed ministers
Europe is preparing for a new five-year cycle in which it must deal with many internal and external challenges. On the one hand, the US and China are huge economic competitors to the EU due to their greater business freedom (US) and resources (China), and on the other hand, Russian military power and strategic interests also …
More »EKIP in the media about VAT differentiation and pension increases
The activity of the experts from the EKIP continues in June with participation in media discussions related to reforms in the pension system and healthcare, the proposal to reduce VAT, entry into ERM II, legalization of marijuana, etc. The topic that most excited the public during the month was the proposal of the MRF to reduce …
More »Industrial production growth slows down significantly in May
(Click on the infographic for a larger size) Data source: NSI Commentary The latest NSI data show a significant slowdown in the industrial sector growth in May, due mainly to weakness in the manufacturing industry and sales on the domestic market. The decline in energy production may be due to the more favorable …
More »Stocks hit new records in June, as did gold, but investors fear a correction
All stock markets are performing well in June, with the S&P500 even hitting a new record. Government debt is also performing well, with gold prices seeing a very large increase. However, investors are wary because the previous two major corrections in stocks followed similar levels of growth. Analysts expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates...
More »Banished medicines
This year's budget for medicines in Bulgaria amounts to 1.2 billion leva, forming a quarter of the total healthcare budget of the National Health Insurance Fund. However, our market still lacks certain medicines that are easily accessible in the European market. The lack of these medicines, as well as the abuses on this market, are mainly due to …
More »“The Eternal Principles Behind the Successful Child” - a new book about freedom
Dear readers of EKIP, We would like to present to your attention a new Bulgarian book that has caught the attention of our editorial board. Its title is “The Eternal Principles Behind the Successful” Child by the entrepreneur, father and follower of the ideas of freedom Yavor Rusinov. >>>YOU CAN BUY THE BOOK AND VIEW REVIEWS HERE
More »Life in Britain's private villages
The charm of the English countryside is indescribable – breathtaking views, ancient narrow streets, with authentic stone architecture and beautiful houses with interiors from film sets. Before World War II, aristocratic families of the British Isles maintained large landed estates, which included, in addition to mansions, incredible parks and private villages. Today …
More »Isn't it time to talk about Swiss-style pension contributions?
As you probably understood from the news, all pensions were increased by 5.7% today, and the maximum pension ceiling was raised from 910 to 1200 leva. In itself, for some, this increase is certainly a cause for joy. But in reality, it should be a cause for reflection. Because the latest actions …
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EKIP– Expert Club for Economics and Politics A Different Opinion