We analyse the possible impact of EMU enlargement on inflation rates in the ac-cession countries. We establish two main points: first, using a theoretical model we show that if large initial differences in price levels occur, even under very favourable circumstances the optimal path for price...

We analyse the optimal composition of a federal or supra-national committee. The representation of regional (national) entities in federal committees is typically motivated by their superior knowledge of local conditions. Using this argument, we formally model the optimal composition of a...

In this paper we investigate the implications of EMU enlargement from a political economy perspective. We argue that a high degree of convergence of the candidate countries prior to EMU accession is an important req-uisite. Otherwise, as a result of a sharp increase in economic dispersion,...

Central banks do not operate in a vacuum. In this paper we analyse the factors leading to external pressure or public support for European monetary policy. Moreover, based upon the findings for the Deutsche Bundesbank, some additional lessons are drawn for the ECB. External pressure on the ECB...

This paper considers the position of national central banks within the ESCB. The fundamental framework underlying the ESCB is that of a system of central banks in which component institutions are individually and collectively responsible for carrying out various tasks. Within this framework, we...