Monetary Integration in Europe

The European Economic and Monetary Union comprises twelve member states and forms a currency area of considerable size and, until now, remarkable stability. Still, however, discussion is going on whether it can survive as an institution providing the highest degree of monetary integration which is a single monetary policy for a group of member countries with divergent economic performance. It is also questioned whether it can withstand financial crises in international markets and contribute to the stability of the global financial system. The book addresses these questions with special emphasis on the need for new forms of economic policy coordination.