Asian and European Economic Integration at a Crossroads

Abstract

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his special issue comprises four articles presented at the 21st INFER Annual Conference, jointly organized by the International Network For Economic Research (INFER) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel in June 2019. The conference featured keynote speakers and various sessions covering topics like macroeconomics, trade, and employment. It also hosted panel discussions on publishing in economic journals and career paths for economists.

The issue focuses on Asian and European economic integration amid globalization and the challenges posed by events like the Global Financial Crisis and Brexit. While not directly addressing the Pandemic Crisis, the articles explore global shocks and their implications. They highlight the need for understanding globally-connected phenomena to redesign policies.

Specific studies included in the issue analyze topics such as exchange rate regimes in ASEAN countries, efficiency of European banks post-financial crisis, convergence in sector-level productivity in the EU, and consumer price premiums for sustainable honey in Germany. These studies provide insights into the economic dynamics and challenges faced by both Asian and European regions, offering implications for policy and future research.