4th Annual FEPS-IPD Conference: Fiscal Governance at times of 
Slow Growth

APRIL 17-18, 2016

The Brookings Institution, Washington, DC

Recognising the importance of the tremendous challenges for fiscal policy and rules that exist in the context of the risk of slowdown of the world economy, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and the Initiative for Policy Dialogue at Columbia University (IPD) are holding their 4th Annual conference on the issue of ‘Fiscal Governance at Times of Slow Growth’. The conference, which will bring together high-level policy-makers, academics, experts and think tank representatives, including Professor Joseph Stiglitz and Mr. Jason Furman, Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, will take place in Washington DC, April 17-18 2016. It will be organised in collaboration with the Global Economy and Development Program at the Brookings Institution, where the conference will be held, and with the Global Progressive Forum of the S&D Group in the European Parliament.

The main objective of the conference is to identify and discuss key issues and problems concerning fiscal rules in the current economic environment. These will include a discussion of the Fiscal Compact in Europe, and whether there is a need to reform policy and rules, in addition to an analysis of fiscal rules in the developing world, including management of commodity prices and the introduction of counter-cyclicality into fiscal rules.

What is more, this conference will also focus on finding short and medium term responses via fiscal policies and rules, as well as on proposing progressive ways for fiscal reform. These will include a discussion of ways to allow for more flexibility in fiscal rules, of whether it is time to go back to golden rules so as to allow space for investment, and of how fiscal policy and rules can contribute to growth.

Check the programme