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.

While I understand the challenges faced by Spanish companies, deferring taxes when owed more in VAT refunds might destabilize fiscal policies. It's crucial for governments to maintain a steady revenue stream to support public services and economic stability.