Europe continues to enjoy strong growth, which is firming up in many countries. The forecast is for growth to stay robust, at least in the near term. However, there are several risks on the horizon. Policymakers should seize the moment and push forward with reforms to increase growth potential and rebuild buffers that could support growth in case of negative shocks. Despite the strong growth momentum, inflation and wage growth remain subdued in most advanced economies in Europe. In contrast, wages are growing rapidly in Central and Eastern Europe, potentially affecting their competitiveness and risking higher inflation. Why are wages not increasing faster in many European advanced economies, and what will it take for them to pick up noticeably? Is there something that can be learned from the economies where wages are growing rapidly?
IMF European Department Director Poul Thomsen will present the findings of the upcoming Spring 2018 Regional Economic Outlook report, including economic developments, prospects, and policy challenges in Europe. Daniel Gros, CEPS Director of Research, will be chairing the event. Also on the panel are Jan Smets, Governor of the National Bank of Belgium, and Liviu Voinea, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Romania.
- Date: 15 May 2018, Tuesday
- Time: Registration and lunch from 12:30 to 13:15, Meeting from 13:15 to 14:30
- Venue: Thon Hotel EU, Rue de la Loi 75, 1040 Brussels
