Exchange Rate Convergence and Entry to the Eurozone (II): A Comparison of Experiences from Member States of the European Union

The article contains a general analysis of the exchange rate convergence process of EU and eurozone-candidate countries. Emphasis is given to an analysis of the exchange rate policy of member states within the ERM/ERM2 mechanism (beginning several years before the introduction of the euro) and to the evaluation of exchange rate criteria. Following an introduction, the second part features a discussion of ERM and ERM2, while the third part provides a detailed analysis of the exchange rate convergence process in EU countries. The fourth and final part summarizes the main experiences of EU/eurozone countries with exchange rate convergence within the ERM and ERM2 period.