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Boosting efficiency in public investment in times of fiscal constraint

Author

Listed:
  • Haroutunian, Stephan
  • Nerlich, Carolin
  • Rodríguez-Vives, Marta
  • Schauhoff, Caspar

Abstract

The EU is faced with massive strategic public investment needs in an environment of limited fiscal space. Raising the spending efficiency of public investment, especially in countries with limited fiscal space, can ease the funding of the strategic investment needs while safeguarding debt sustainability. The article analyses the efficiency in public investment spending on transport infrastructure, which is the largest component of public investment across the EU, and finds substantial room for improvement. JEL Classification: H40, H54, H60

Suggested Citation

  • Haroutunian, Stephan & Nerlich, Carolin & Rodríguez-Vives, Marta & Schauhoff, Caspar, 2026. "Boosting efficiency in public investment in times of fiscal constraint," Economic Bulletin Articles, European Central Bank, vol. 2.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecb:ecbart:2026:0002:1
    Note: 343309
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H40 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - General
    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • H60 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - General

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