Added to this, the issues facing central banks often stimulate new research projects. However, research conducted by members of the Verein für Socialpolitik is not only relevant to central banks, as your annual congresses clearly demonstrate. Competition policy and regulation are topical issues which have attracted broad public attention.
The ongoing negotiations between the European Union and the USA over a transatlantic free trade area are a case in point. This agreement could herald the creation of the largest free trade area in the world, which is something I would warmly welcome. As for the topic of regulation, I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking first and foremost of financial sector regulation.