Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The efficiency and quality of the business regulatory environment vary significantly across different locations within EU member states, impacting regional economic convergence [1][2] - Local regulations and their enforcement play a crucial role in shaping the investment climate, affecting firm entry, job creation, and economic growth [2] - Subnational variations in business environments can exceed differences observed between countries, highlighting the need for localized reforms [3][34] Summary by Sections Subnational Variation - Data from the World Bank's assessments between 2017 and 2022 reveal substantial differences in business environments not only among EU member states but also within them, with notable disparities in larger countries like Italy and smaller ones like Croatia [2][3] - In Greece, for instance, the time to register property varies dramatically between cities, with Patra taking 24 days and Heraklion taking 134 days, illustrating the extent of local inefficiencies [3] Centralization and Digital Infrastructure - Countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden exhibit high levels of centralization and robust digital infrastructure, leading to more uniform procedures for entrepreneurs across different regions [4] - Denmark offers over 1,500 e-government services through a single portal, streamlining business processes [4] Regulatory Gaps - The widest regulatory gaps are observed in construction permitting, where local authorities significantly influence the process [5] - Other areas with substantial variation include electricity connection and contract enforcement, driven by local court efficiencies and administrative practices [14] Learning from Local Practices - Cities can learn from each other to improve their regulatory environments, as seen in Romania where different cities excel in various indicators [16] - The report suggests that successful local practices in construction permitting from Austria and court reforms in Italy could serve as models for broader national standards [17] Automation and Efficiency Improvements - Innovative practices in Italian courts, such as case management and strategic planning, have led to significant reductions in trial durations and backlogs [26][32] - Automation in case assignment and alternative dispute resolution initiatives in cities like Bologna and Florence are examples of efforts to enhance judicial efficiency [35] Future Assessments - The World Bank will continue to assess the business and investment climate in the EU at the subnational level through the new Business Ready (B-READY) methodology, which aims to address regional disparities in business regulation [42]
从地方实践到国家改革:缩小欧盟商业环境区域差距的路线图(英)2025
Shi Jie Yin Hang·2026-01-20 02:45