When the European Union introduced a common currency, this was based on the assumption that there would be increasing economic convergence of the participating states. These expectations were not met. Instead of gradually converging, the economic performance of euro area countries has noticeably...

With the third government since his election in May 2012, President Hollande will soon enter the second half of his term of office. He came to power with promises of economic recovery. However, the implementation of a coherent economic program quickly became an uphill battle. French voters'...

Finland is directly affected by two of the biggest crises in the history of European integration: the troubles of the euro and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The new Finnish government, formed by the liberal Centre Party, the populist Finns Party and the conservative National Coalition Party,...

Emmanuel Macron's success in the French presidential elections in May 2017 has given fresh impetus to the debate on reforms in the eurozone. However, since there is no consensus on fiscal or political integration, the reforms will be limited. Long-discussed ideas, such as extending the tasks of...

Despite the United Kingdom never having adopted the euro, the upcoming Brexit will have consequences not only for the European Union as a whole but also for monetary integration. The UK's withdrawal from the EU will heighten fears among the 'euro-outs', the eight Member States that have not...

France's yellow vests (gilets jaunes) are heterogeneous, make contradictory demands, and refuse to give up. Since November 2018 they have been demonstrating for more purchasing power and greater democracy. Having made financial concessions, Presi­dent Emmanuel Macron is now playing for time. He...

The attempt to provoke early elections in August 2019 by the leader of the League, Matteo Salvini, unexpectedly led to a pragmatic coalition of the Five-Star Movement (M5S) and the Democratic Party (PD) and the formation of a second government under Giuseppe Conte. This government operates in a...

The inquiry into the global significance of the euro, which is the second most important currency in the international financial system after the US dollar (hereinafter, the dollar), should be treated as a priority in efforts to strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy. The main obstacles impeding...

The inquiry into the global significance of the euro, which is the second most important currency in the international financial system after the US dollar (hereinafter, the dollar), should be treated as a priority in efforts to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy. The main obstacles...