Family strongly influences personal well-being—especially in the case of refugees, whose family members often remain in their homeland. This report is the first to closely examine the well-being and family structures of refugees who came to Germany between January 2013 and January 2016. It ... more

In recent years, the global community has promoted several initiatives aimed at breaking bank secrecy in tax havens. Such treaties for the exchange of information among tax offices can be effective. A treaty between country A and tax haven B reduces deposits from A in banks of B by approximately 30 ... more

In May, the EU Commission presented its proposal for the EU budget for 2021 to 2027—a period of change for the EU. Not only will Great Britain’s exit from the Union leave a significant hole in the budget, but at the same time the budget must cover a vast range of additional requirements. ... more

In parts of Germany this summer, temperatures were extremely high and there was no rain to speak of: this is an example of an extreme weather event. Many people experienced physical discomfort and the livelihoods of some were threatened. Think of crop damage due to drought. Every unusually hot ... more

DIW Berlin is part of a new Cluster of Excellence based in Berlin. Contestations of the Liberal Scripts (SCRIPTS) will analyze the contemporary controversies regarding the liberal order from a historical, global, and comparative perspective. Prof. Martin Kroh of the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) at ... more

• Current DIW Weekly Report 42/2018
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In recent years, the global community has promoted several initiatives aimed at breaking bank secrecy in tax havens. Such treaties for the exchange of information among tax offices can be effective. A treaty between country A and tax haven B reduces deposits from A in banks of B by approximately 30 percent. However, the analysis shows that tax evaders react to such treaties not by becoming honest taxpayers but rather by adapting their practice of tax evasion. Consequently, the international community must crack down on tax evasion more aggressively – for example, by disclosing the final beneficiaries of assets in tax havens or making it difficult for financial institutions in tax havens to access international capital markets.

Family strongly influences personal well-being—especially in the case of refugees, whose family members often remain in their homeland. This report is the first to closely examine the well-being and family structures of refugees who came to Germany between January 2013 and January 2016. It uses data from the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees in Germany. Among individuals aged between 18 and 49, nine percent have minor children living outside Germany, whereas twelve percent have a husband or wife living abroad. If the nuclear family is living in Germany—which is more often the case for women than men—refugees are measurably more satisfied with their lives. These findings are also confirmed when accounting for other potential factors for well-being. These findings should be given greater consideration—not least in the debate on family reunification—to enable successful migration, integration, and family policies.

In May, the EU Commission presented its proposal for the EU budget for 2021 to 2027—a period of change for the EU. Not only will Great Britain’s exit from the Union leave a significant hole in the budget, but at the same time the budget must cover a vast range of additional requirements. Current international policy developments are already demanding the EU acting as a community, and the European project will continue to require a high level of investment. For managing this balancing act expenditure cuts in traditional areas are indispensable. But the Commission’s lopsided proposal relies on higher revenue. Currently, the Commission is planning fund allocations in the absence of a policy strategy for the years after 2020.