of FES / picture alliance / CHROMORANGE / Matthias Stolt

What to do About Inflation?

A Look at Different EU Countries

Inflation is back and currently dominating the economic and socio-political discussion in Germany as well as in many other countries. The inflation rate had already accelerated somewhat in the course of 2021, in the wake of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which violated international law. Due to the accompanying price shock on the international energy and commodity markets, the inflation rate only continued to rise significantly from March 2022. By autumn of this year, it had reached levels not seen in many countries for several decades. The drastically high increase in prices, especially for energy but also for food and other commodities, is associated with considerable burdens for private households and businesses. Especially the lower- and middle-income groups as well as energy-intensive companies suffer immensely. In addition, there are negative consequences for the overall economic development as well as risks for social cohesion.

Grafik eines Taschenrechners mit der Aufschrift "Für eine gerechte Zukunft"

Blog

In Germany, as in other countries, scientists and political decision-makers are struggling to find the right answers to high inflation and the economic, energy and social policy challenges that go hand in hand with it. This blog series takes a closer look at the situation in different EU Member States. The focus is on the question of how inflation has developed in the countries, what the main causes and drivers of inflation are, its impact on economic and social development, and what political measures have been taken in the countries against inflation and the accompanying adjustment burdens. This reveals both similarities and differences in the countries, but also provides an opportunity to learn from each other and to identify best practices in combating high inflation.