The search for solutions to the euro crisis is based on a partial diagnosis that overemphasises the lack of enforcement of existing fiscal rules. Europe's leaders should rather address the euro area's inherent weaknesses revealed by the crisis. At the core of euro-area vulnerability is an...

Der Stabilitätspakt hat die Aufgabe, der nationalen Finanzpolitik bei der Verschuldung die Hände zu binden und damit den Euro als vergemeinschaftete Währung abzusichern. Denn ob Geld stabil ist, hängt auch davon ab, wie solide die Staatsfinanzen sind. Den Pakt aufzuweichen wird später einen...

Extensive prior research on the economics of European monetary union highlighted some potential risks (the known unknowns) but overlooked others (the unknown unknowns). Asymmetries among participating countries, the potentially destabilising character of a one-size-fits all monetary policy, the...

This paper proposes an alternative stability and growth pact among European Union (EU) governments that would underpin the introduction of a single currency and a "single market" within the EU. The alternative pact embraces a number of new aspects of integration within the EU that are based on a...