The socio-economic consequences of remote working: evidence from the European administrations in Brussels

The COVID-19 pandemic urged policymakers to promote remote work. We showcase the impacts of remote working for the EU administrations in Brussels. Based on meticulous data collection and using an input–output multiplier approach, the paper calculates four scenarios on the socio-economic consequences of value-added and employment for Brussels and its neighbouring regions. Each scenario diminishes the time non-Belgian EU employees spend in Brussels. The estimates demonstrate a substantial contribution of the EU administrations in the regions of Belgium and highlight the impact of remote working, which is relevant for other cities’ economies known for being international hotspots.