Ludwig Erhard Lecture
On economic transformation and the modern social market economy
Ludwig Erhard (1897–1977) was a prominent German politician in the post-war era. As first economics minister (1949-1963), then federal chancellor (1963-1966) of West Germany, he is widely credited as the principal author of the “Wirtschaftswunder,” Germany’s miraculous post-war economic recovery. Erhard’s reforms were based on his concept of soziale Marktwirtschaft or social-market economy – the notion that an economy must be competitive and social at the same time.
The Ludwig Erhard Lecture focuses on reform and the state of the European economy.
2009
Viviane Reding, commissioner for telecommunications and media, European Commission
"Digital Europe: Europe's Fast Track to Recovery"
Watch Viviane Reding's Lecture on EUX.tv
Download Viviane Reding's Remarks
2008
Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, member of the executive board, European Central Bank
"Growth and Inflation in the Euro Area: The Importance of Productivity in the Services Sector"
Download Lorenzo Bini Smaghi's remarks
2007
Michael Glos, minister of economy and technology, Germany; chairman, Competitiveness Council during Germany's EU presidency in the first half of 2007
"Growth and Jobs: Reforms in Europe for Citizens and the Economy"
Download Michael Glos’ remarks in German, English or French
2006
Karl-Heinz Grasser, finance minister, Austria; deputy chairman, Eurogroup; chairman Economic and Financial Council (EcoFin) during Austria’s EU presidency in the first half of 2006
2005
Raghuram Rajan, chief economist, International Monetary Fund
“Getting Europe Moving Again: Concrete Ideas for Reform, Prosperity and Renewal”
Download Professor Rajan’s remarks here
Download Professor Rajan's presentation slides here
2004
Lucas Papademos, vice-president, European Central Bank
“Determinants of Growth and the Role of Structural Reforms and Macroeconomic Policies in Europe”
Download Vice-President Papademos’ speech here
Download Vice-President Papademos' presentation slides here
