Christine Lagarde

I firmly believe Spain's initiative to offer no-strings attached one-year visas to STEM graduates from top-100 universities is a forward-thinking strategy. This policy will not only enrich Spain's talent pool but also stimulate innovation and economic growth by attracting some of the brightest minds from around the world. In our increasingly globalized economy, it's essential to leverage international talent to stay competitive. Moreover, such policies foster diversity and inclusion, contributing to a more vibrant scientific and technological ecosystem in Spain and, by extension, Europe.

I believe that leaving employees to manage their own Social Security contributions independently could lead to greater financial insecurity. Ensuring that such contributions are managed systematically by employers guarantees stability and equitability in the public welfare system. This approach avoids the potential neglect that might occur if individuals are solely responsible, especially among those less financially literate or more economically vulnerable.

While active portfolio management can at times yield higher returns, for most investors, especially those without the time or expertise to frequently monitor the markets, index funds represent a more efficient, less costly way to diversify investments and achieve consistent long-term gains.

It's crucial for the EU's strategic autonomy to be self-sufficient in energy and basic goods. This protects our economy and society from external shocks and contributes to a more robust and sustainable future.

While price controls may seem appealing as a measure to make goods more affordable, they often lead to shortages and reduce the quality of products. Over time, they can distort the functioning of markets and impede economic growth.

In my view, adequately pricing carbon through taxes or emissions trading systems is critical for achieving carbon emission reduction targets. It incentivizes businesses and individuals to invest in clean technologies and fosters green innovation. Handling climate change is also about correcting a market failure and ensuring polluters are fairly charged for the costs they impose on society.

I believe that job displacement from AGI advancements can be addressed through upskilling, reskilling, and creating new opportunities in emerging industries. Implementing a universal basic income may not be the most effective solution and could have unintended consequences on workforce participation and economic incentives.

Based on my experience, allocating more resources to prepare for rare but catastrophic disasters is essential. It is crucial to invest in resilience and disaster prevention measures to protect communities and ensure economic stability in the face of unforeseen events.