We argue in the present paper that the Stability and Growth Pact and its application can be improved, taking into account the experience gained during the last years. The reform debate should focus on the fundamental economic rationale and the initial orientation of the Pact. It puts more weight...

Wir argumentieren in diesem Artikel, dass der Stabilitäts- und Wachstumspakt und seine Anwendung auf Basis der in den letzten Jahren gewonnenen Erfahrungen weiterentwickelt werden sollten. Dabei sollte man sich auf die ökonomische Zielsetzung und den ursprünglichen inhaltlichen Kern des...

We argue in the present paper that the Stability and Growth Pact and its application can be improved, taking into account the experience gained during the last years. The reform debate should focus on the fundamental economic rationale and the initial orientation of the Pact. It puts more weight...

Wir argumentieren in diesem Artikel, dass der Stabilitäts- und Wachstumspakt und seine Anwendung auf Basis der in den letzten Jahren gewonnenen Erfahrungen weiterentwickelt werden sollten. Dabei sollte man sich auf die ökonomische Zielsetzung und den ursprünglichen inhaltlichen Kern des...

Höppner and Kastrop examine the role of fiscal institutions and budgetary procedures in Germany with respect to the objective of safeguarding sound public finances in the long-run. The paper analyses the main factors underlying debt developments in Germany in recent decades. It also examines...

Höppner and Kastrop discuss the issue of quality in public expenditure in the framework of the Stability and Growth Pact. Their starting point is the reform of the Pact that has taken place in 2005. They summarise the main problems that led to the reform and argue that fiscal rules based only...