The role of central fiscal capacity in connecting the EU’s domestic and global agendas

Abstract

The EU’s domestic and international agendas are usually discussed in different fora and follow separate tracks. Given the fallout from the Covid crisis and the dramatic consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this paper argues that these agendas should eventually merge. A central fiscal capacity is a key element for reconciling the EU’s domestic and international goals. Domestically, it would help to achieve a balanced policy mix and ensure an adequate supply of European public goods, and globally it would give credibility to the geo-economic role of the EU.