02.04.2020 - Central European Economic Policy Response to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is showing just how fragile our societies, economies, and democracies can be. Overall, countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) seem still to be in the early stages of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite this, we already know that the economic implications of the virus could be significant for the region. While a sound monetary-fiscal response will be crucial, it seems that the region could benefit from developing a more comprehensive strategy on how to lessen the economic downfall.
What is the baseline for the pandemic in the region? What scenarios are institutions in the region working with? What sectors will be hardest-hit in the CEE region? Is this any different than in rest of Europe, rest of the advanced world? What has been the monetary policy response in the region? What have been the fiscal measures undertaken by the countries of the region? What needs to be done in the next three months? Is there a way for the region to cooperate on tackling the crisis?
Speakers:
Ms. Eva Bartonova
Director of the Department of Americas
Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
Dr. Szilárd Benk
Alternate Executive Director for Hungary, Austria, Belarus, Czech Republic, Kosovo, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey
International Monetary Fund
Mr. Benjamin Haddad
Director, Future Europe Initiative
Atlantic Council
Mr. Josh Lipsky
Director of Programs and Policy, Global Business and Economics Program
Atlantic Council
Ms. Sona Muzikarova
Chief Economist
GLOBSEC Policy Institute
Mr. Vladyslav Rashkovan
Alternate Executive Director for Ukraine, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Israel, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Romania
International Monetary Fund
Mr. Jon Sigurgeirsson
Alternate Executive Director for Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden
International Monetary Fund
Mr. Piotr Trabinski
Alternate Executive Director for Poland, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Serbia, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
International Monetary Fund
Moderated by:
Ms. Denise Forsthuber
Associate Director, Future Europe Initiative
Atlantic Council