Beschreibung

"A decisive catalyst has been Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine, causing energy prices to soar to unimagined heights. A phenomenon long of little relevance prevails—scarcity. And not only scarcity of energy but also of various raw materials and intermediate products, as well as skilled workers. The conventional response to inflation and shortages is well known: the central bank raises interest rates, companies and households borrow less and buy less, so demand matches supply again. This price mechanism does not however fit Europe today: elevated prices are not the result of excessive consumption but of uncertain energy and gas supplies, disrupted international supply chains and overdue investments in green technology. Shrinking demand to fit restricted supply would be painful—and unnecessary. With the right strategy, it is possible to grow out of the current situation." (Text excerpt, IAB-Doku) ((en))