Reducing Shadow Economies: From Drivers to Policies
Across Europe, shadow markets constitute a significant portion of the economy. According to some estimates, an average of 16% of GDP in EU member states is generated by the shadow economy.
Lithuania
Alcohol, Cigarettes, Food, Beverages: Poland More Restrictive Than Germany and the Czech Republic
The Nanny State Index 2019 measures the level of restrictive regulations governing the sale and consumption of food, non-alcoholic beverages, alcohol, tobacco, and e-cigarettes. The higher a country’s ranking, the more restrictive the regulations.
Lithuanian Tax Laws: Too Much Commotion, Not Enough Focus
On May 11, Lithuania celebrated its second National Respect for Taxpayers Day. This day became an official commemorative day in Lithuania following the adoption of a proposal from the Lithuanian Free Market Institute (LFMI) in early 2018.
LFMI’s Position on Equal Pay for Equal Work
Under EU legislation, Member States are required to abolish any legal provisions contrary to the principle of equal treatment and have to introduce measures that would facilitate getting legal remedies in cases of alleged violations of equal treatment.
LFMI Holds Second Nation-Wide Economics Exam
On March 27, 2019, the Lithuanian Free Market Institute (LFMI) ran the second edition of the National Economics Exam. Aimed at promoting economic literacy and the relevance of economics education, the exam is intended for all citizens interested in measuring their knowledge of economics.
LFMI Salutes Departing President Žilvinas Šilėnas as He Is to Lead Foundation for Economic Education
After seven years in his role as President of LFMI, Žilvinas Šilėnas will lead the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) in the United States. LFMI’s long-serving Vice President Edita Maslauskaitė will succeed Šilėnas as LFMI’s Interim President from mid-April.
Progressive Taxation and Inequality
Progressive taxation is considered to be the most popular measure to reduce income inequality. The aim of the conducted research was to enlighten this discussion by exploring to what extent the progressiveness of PIT is a decisive factor in reducing income inequality.
Employment Flexibility Index 2019 Shows Biggest Leap for Lithuania
The 2017 labor law reform significantly improved Lithuania’s position in the Employment Flexibility Index, moving the country from the 27th to 15th position among the EU and OECD countries, according to Employment Flexibility Index 2019 compiled by LFMI based on the World Bank’s Doing Business data.
LFMI Holds a Conference on the Shadow Economy
On November 15, 2018, the Lithuanian Free Market Institute (LFMI) held a conference on the shadow economy in Vilnius to address the scope and drivers of the shadow economy in Lithuania and across Europe and to discuss the most effective policies in tackling the issue.
One in Two Lithuanians Would Consider Shadow Activity When in Financial Hardship
The shadow economy in Lithuania remains pervasive despite economic growth, and as many as one in two people would consider informal consumption and undeclared work if their financial circumstances worsened, shows a LFMI research report.
