Economic Freedom
The European Union enjoyed its pinnacle of influence after the Soviet Union collapsed.
An international group of think tanks from 35 nations and territories from around the world has penned an open letter condemning the actions of the Communist Party of China and supporting the people of Hong Kong. On Tuesday, China’s National People’s Congress passed its controversial national security law, which violates Hong Kong’s Basic Law and encroaches on the city’s freedoms and liberties. The letter, which details Hong Kong’s success since the Second World War in becoming one of the most prosperous, entrepreneurial, and freest places on earth, is signed by 37 member organizations of the Economic Freedom of the World Network, which is led by Canada’s Fraser Institute.
Hongkongers have enjoyed the highest level of personal freedom in the world, according to the Human Freedom Index.
The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania unreservedly embraced economic freedom since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The index spotlights fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, association and assembly.
There’s no need to wait for EU membership to increase the level of freedom in these countries.
Central planners lack the knowledge and incentives to respond to consumer wants and needs.
In countries where men and women’s economic rights are equally protected under the law, women live on average about nine years longer.
Life expectancy is 79.5 years in the top quartile of countries compared to 64.4 years in the bottom quartile.
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