Countries whose institutions promote economic freedom enjoy higher investment rates, more rapid economic growth, higher income levels, and a more rapid reduction in poverty rates. Open markets allow nations to specialize in the production of goods that they have a comparative advantage in, resulting in welfare gains for all involved parties. Only if property rights are secured, countries can attract foreign investment they need to diversify and develop their economies. All in all, the preservation and expansion of the liberal trade regime is necessary to ensure rising living standards in all parts of the world. Hence, monitoring the development of economic institutions and conditions worldwide is of vital importance.

The Economic Freedom of the World Report, annually published by the Fraser Institute and its partners, compiles data from over 150 countries and enjoys worldwide reputation. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom invites you to the launch of this year’s edition, which will take place in Brussels for the very first time. Is the world moving towards free trade or protectionism? How can property rights be secured in times of political unrest in large parts of the world? What are the repercussions of the financial crisis 2007/2008? How is the EU member states’ performance evaluated? Does the European Union rather facilitate or inhibit liberalization and economic freedom? Join us for a lively discussion of the findings.

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