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How much has labour taxation contributed to European structural unemployment?

Author

Listed:
  • Christophe Planas

    (DG-JRC of European Commission)

  • Werner Roeger

    (DG-ECFIN of European Commission)

  • Alessandro Rossi

    (DG-JRC of European Commission)

Abstract

This paper analyses the effect of labour taxes on Euro area unemployment. Empirical estimates obtained so far can be criticised as being spurious because the regressions generally lack non-measurable variables constituting the reservation wage that can possibly be non stationary. Here we overcome this problem by using an unobserved component model. For the Euro area unemployment, we find a significant tax effect that is in the middle of the estimates that can be found in the empirical literature. This study gives support to the view that lowering labour taxes can help to reduce unemployment in continental Europe.

Suggested Citation

  • Christophe Planas & Werner Roeger & Alessandro Rossi, 2004. "How much has labour taxation contributed to European structural unemployment?," Econometrics 0408005, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpem:0408005
    Note: Type of Document - pdf; pages: 22
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    NAIRU; Unobserved components; Kalman filter;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General
    • C2 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables
    • C3 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables
    • C4 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics
    • C5 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling
    • C8 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs

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