This book provides a comprehensive analysis of national fiscal policies in the European Union and in the European Monetary Union. Adopting a critical perspective, the book offers a deep insight into the consequences of the current strategy of national fiscal policies on economic activity

pt. 1. The stability merits of the euro -- pt. 2. A case for rapid euro adoption? -- pt. 3. The euro area- a shelter? Euro assets- a safe haven? -- pt. 4. Lessons- from euro area divergences, and from the crisis -- pt. 5. Post-crisis business models of banks in CEE