Face-to-face , second term, 45 hours of theory and 15 hours of exercises.

French

This course examines the role of the state in a market economy. At the end of this course the student will be able to analyze the costs and benefits of public policies in terms of efficiency and equity. The lectures present the theory of public economics, and study in depth the Belgian context. The course focuses on an intuitive understanding of theory through applications to major societal challenges and an analysis of current debates. The students will learn to put into perspective the notions developed during the course by additional reading

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The first part of the course will be devoted to the normative analysis of the role of the State in the economy. It will deal with the economic problem and the various coordination mechanisms, market efficiency and its limits, public goods, externalities, analysis of inequalities and redistribution of incomes, and ultimately collective decision-making processes.

The second part will deal with the study of the characteristics of tax policy in Belgium. The structure and evolution of public expenditure in Belgium and the causes of the growth of the public sector will be discussed in detail. Next, the course will focus on analyzing government revenue. The Belgian tax system will be studied from the national accounts in a historical perspective and in comparison with other countries. We will also analyze the economy of taxation, notably through the exposure of the principles of optimal taxation.

The third part will develop the theory of fiscal federalism and analyze the federal structure of Belgium.

Lectures - readings - tutorials

Written exam

Public Finance, Harvey S. Rosen Ted Gayer, Mcgraw-Hill Education - Europe