We analyze the performance of the Maastricht convergence criteria (inflation, long-term interest rate, annual and overall public debt to GDP) of the European Monetary Union (EMU) that led to the introduction of the Euro on Jan. 1st 1999 as book currency. For our analysis we define 3 regimes: a)...

This paper outlines a new methodology for the study of international policy coordination, which builds on two separate approaches previously used in the literature: optimal simple rules, and game-theoretic analysis. The new approach is illustrated by using the example of a changed target for the...

After matching a rich micro-level Iranian customs dataset with a macro-level cross-country database on Iranian diaspora stocks, we establish that diaspora matters for dynamics of Iranian exporters. We document the extent to which Iranian emigrants foster exports through both intensive and...

What is a countr y’s optimal choice of an exchange rate regime? One avenue which has gained prominence is the Optimum Currency Area criteria of pattems of shocks which suggests that a flexible exchange rate may be less costly for regions who face asymmetric shocks, since they are forced to...

The paper consider the Turkey-EU customs union (CU). After reviewing briefly the developments in Turkey-EU relations the paper studies the structure of protection that prevailed prior to the formation of the CU as well as struc - ture of protection that will prevail when all of the adjustments...

The past two decades have witnessed economic growth differentials among countries in East Asia and Latin America. In this paper we argue that the degree of openness due to government policies in both areas may be an important factor yielding this result. We construct a simple model to highlight...

This paper investigates the influence of immigration into Greece on the volumes of Greeces bilateral trade using a gravity modelling approach. An augmented gravity model is estimated using a panel data set for the period 1981-1991. The results show that immigration had a positive impact on the...

The paper purports to examine the implications of a free education policy and trade liberalization on the child and adult labour markets in the set-up of a Harris-Todaro type general equilibrium model. It has been found that a hike in the education subsidy or an inflow of foreign capital may...

Using a centre-two periphery new economic geography model we study the location and real wage effects of the EU’s Eastern enlargement on current and future EU member countries under pure trade integration and with migration of skilled labour. The quality of final and intermediate products...

The paper examines Greek external trade following accession to the EU, placing emphasis on the 1990s. Using original disaggregated data we find: (i) Mutually offsetting, stable trade creation/trade diversion in imports from EU and third countries respectively. (ii) No EU effect on exports. These...