European Monetary Union: Initial Situation, Alternatives, Prospects -- In the Light of Modern Institutional Economics

Kredit und Kapital, No. 2, pp. 159-191, 1998

43 Pages Posted: 31 Jan 2012

Date Written: December 1, 1998

Abstract

This paper starts with a brief description of the situation before the establishment of the European Monetary Union (EMU), i.e., the problems of the European Monetary System (EMS) which was established in 1979 and was in need of repair. The paper then deals with the various possibilities of effecting such a repair. It argues that EMU was not the only and not the best choice. Then problems of the Maastricht Treaty are highlighted and the main themes in the Euro debate outlined. Following on from this, the paper deals with the prospects of EMU. Two contrapuntal views are presented: an optimistic and a pessimistic one. Actual developments will hopefully come closer to the optimistic than the pessimistic view.

Keywords: exchange rate systems, optimal currency areas, currency reform, credible cimmitments, central bank policy, international agreements, European Union, Euro

JEL Classification: E4, E5

Suggested Citation

Richter, Rudolf, European Monetary Union: Initial Situation, Alternatives, Prospects -- In the Light of Modern Institutional Economics (December 1, 1998). Kredit und Kapital, No. 2, pp. 159-191, 1998, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1994391

Rudolf Richter (Contact Author)

Saarland University ( email )

Saarbrücken, 66123
Germany
+49681893347 (Phone)

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
75
Abstract Views
642
Rank
572,227
PlumX Metrics