Delayed structural change and disadvantages in the federal financial equalization : is the city state of Bremen still appropriate?

Abstract

"The federal state of Bremen, which is marked by its status as a city state and by an economic structure that is characterized by old industries, faces significant challenges as a result, firstly, of the general structural changes in the economy and, secondly, of globalization. Caught between the need to act to reduce high levels of unemployment and the need for prudence because of Bremen's straitened fiscal situation, the responsible political actors in Bremen can, nevertheless, count on clear strengths, such as excellent human capital, a relatively low wage level and a robust and well-developed economic structure, which has developed positively over the last few years. Assuming that the federal financial equalization scheme will be amended so that the unfavourable fiscal position of city states will be abolished, Bremen will be able to continue its, in many areas, successful path of economic regeneration. It will also be to be in the future a valuable partner in the federal system of the Federal Republic of Germany." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Wrobel, M., Brück-Klingberg, A. & Harten, U. (2006): Verzögerter Strukturwandel und Benachteiligung im föderalen Finanzausgleich. Ist der Stadtstaat Bremen noch zeitgemäß? In: Sozialer Fortschritt, Vol. 55, No. 11/12, p. 298-301.