This book studies the strategic policy interactions in a monetary union. The leading protagonists are the European Central Bank and national governments. The target of the ECB is low inflation in Europe. The targets of a national government are low unemployment and a low structural deficit....

A Theoretical Framework -- Specifications and Assumptions -- Underlying Equilibrium Growth Paths -- Variations in Employment -- Some Important Implications -- Exchange Rate Overshooting -- Exchange Rate Determination -- Issues Regarding Exchange Rate Determination -- Time Series Properties of...

1 Introduction.- 2 Literature Review -- 3 Descriptive Analysis -- 4 Determinants of Business Cycle Synchronistion -- 5 Shock Propagation Mechanisms and Business Cycle Convergence -- 6 Summary and Policy Implications -- 7 Appendix -- References

This book explores the diverse challenges facing the EU and in particular examines the impediments to financial stability and sustainable growth and how these can be overcome. Among the topics explored are the extent to which monetary union has favored real convergence, competitive imbalances in...

Some Basic Models -- Monetary Policy in Europe -- Fiscal Policy in Germany -- First the Central Bank Decides, then the Governments Decide -- First the Governments Decide, then the Central Bank Decides -- Central Bank and Governments Decide Simultaneously and Independently: Cold-Turkey Policies...