Elke Asen
Policy Analyst
Elke Asen was a Policy Analyst with the Tax Foundation’s Center for Global Tax Policy, focusing on international tax issues and tax policy in Europe. Prior to joining the Tax Foundation, Elke interned with the EU Delegation in Washington, D.C., the German Development Agency, and a social startup in Munich, Germany. She holds a BS in Economics from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
Elke was born and raised in a small town of 500 people outside of Salzburg, Austria, and loves to travel. Road tripping and backpacking are her favorites.
Latest Work
UK Taxes: Potential for Growth
3 min read
International Tax Competitiveness Index 2019
Our International Index compares OECD countries on over 40 variables that measure how well each country’s tax system promotes sustainable economic growth and investment.
11 min read
OECD Tackling Harmful Tax Practices
Countries around the world often design their tax policies to become attractive targets for foreign investment. These policies can be anything from a system with special preferences for certain industries to a well-designed tax system based on principles of sound tax policy. Systems that are rife with special preferences and complexities can create distortions in local jurisdictions and across the global economy.
3 min read
Soda Taxes in Europe
2 min read
Standard VAT Rate on German Meat?
2 min read
Aviation Taxes in Europe
1 min read
Cigarette Taxes in Europe, 2019
Today, Ireland and the United Kingdom levy the highest excise duties on cigarettes in the European Union (EU), at €7.57 (US $8.93) and €6.57 ($7.75) per 20-cigarette pack, respectively. This compares to an EU average of €3.09 ($3.64). In contrast, Bulgaria (€1.76 or $2.07) and Hungary (€1.96 or $2.31) levy the lowest excise duties.
3 min read
Gas Taxes in Europe, 2019
4 min read
Beer Taxes in Europe, 2019
2 min read
Amazon Passes France’s Digital Services Tax on to Vendors
France’s new 3 percent digital tax may be targeted at Amazon and other large digital firms, but Amazon’s French vendors will bear the burden of the tax.
3 min read
The Good and Bad about Tax Havens
3 min read