editorial partner Liberte! Friedrich Naumann Foundation

Economy

Drowsy Europe Sits on Pile of Savings – Will They Be Used for Dignified Retirement?
Economy
Drowsy Europe Sits on Pile of Savings – Will They Be Used for Dignified Retirement?
The European Union finds itself in a paradoxical situation. The population is ageing, the economy is stagnating, and at the same time, vast sums of citizens\' savings are lying idle in bank deposits. According to the European Commission, 31% of Europeans\' savings are unused in bank accounts. In contrast, Americans put their money to work much more efficiently, keeping three times less cash under the mattress.
Government’s Migration Strategy – Illusion of Security Over Growth
Economy
Government’s Migration Strategy – Illusion of Security Over Growth
The government’s migration strategy is disappointing. The long-awaited comprehensive document turns out to be a brief collection of short statements lacking deeper analysis. However, one can hope that this document is merely a starting point for a broader debate on a genuine migration strategy, which will soon be presented. This communication outlines three potential opportunities and three key risks that may arise from the proposed approach.
Digital Tax. Consumers Will Pay for Political War
Economy
Digital Tax. Consumers Will Pay for Political War
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski recently announced plans to introduce a digital tax in Poland on the revenues or profits of big tech corporations operating in the country.¹ The funds raised would be used to subsidize the development of Polish companies and start-ups in the digital technology sector and media.
Myth of Capitalism’s Guilt for Unfair Market Interference by Entrepreneurs
Economy
Myth of Capitalism’s Guilt for Unfair Market Interference by Entrepreneurs
With iron regularity, texts appear in the public sphere about powerful lobby groups influencing politics, or even dictating to governments what legislation to adopt and what policies to pursue domestically and internationally. First, we need to analyze the idea of a wealthy entrepreneur who, instead of developing their business in a \'market-oriented\' way, spends their time trying to convince politicians to secure advantages for their business from the state.
Is Capitalism Responsible for Destruction of Environment?
Economy
Is Capitalism Responsible for Destruction of Environment?
Advocates of state intervention and regulation believe that these mechanisms can improve the environment by suppressing the free market. Over time, they have become an increasing challenge for defenders of capitalism and the free market economy. The solution to global warming, air pollution, and so on is therefore said to be less market and more state planning.
Bulgaria Joins Eurozone: From 2026 Common Currency Comes to The Black Sea
Economy
Bulgaria Joins Eurozone: From 2026 Common Currency Comes to The Black Sea
It is now official – Bulgaria will become the 21st member of the euro area. This concludes a years-long process of preparing the country to join the monetary union. The first euro coins and notes will appear in Bulgarian wallets on January 1, 2026. In June 2025, EU finance ministers unanimously approved Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone. The Bulgarian lev will be replaced by the euro at the beginning of 2026, with the exchange rate set at 1 euro = 1.95583 leva.
Unlocking Human Capital in Ukraine: Reality Check
Economy
Unlocking Human Capital in Ukraine: Reality Check
On July 3, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine presented its 2030 Employment Strategy aimed at supporting economic development by reducing unemployment, ensuring equal access to quality jobs, supporting SMEs, and increasing market flexibility. The Strategy is intended, among other things, to facilitate the creation of new jobs and reform the employment service system. It appears that the government’s primary focus will be on reactivating the economically inactive population, which exceeds 12 million people, and achieving a target of 20 million employed citizens.
World Without Money: Utopia or Dystopia?
Economy
World Without Money: Utopia or Dystopia?
Imagine a world without money. No more wars, because resources belong to all of humanity. The government ensures equal and just distribution of goods. Competition, egoism, banks, and capitalist greed vanish. People work not for pay, but to serve one another. No more stress, debt, or struggle to make ends meet.