The Economic Future of Europe

38 Pages Posted: 27 Feb 2004 Last revised: 4 Sep 2022

See all articles by Olivier J. Blanchard

Olivier J. Blanchard

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); Peterson Institute for International Economics

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: March 2004

Abstract

After three years of near stagnation, the mood in Europe is definitely gloomy. Many doubt that the European model has a future. In this paper, I argue that things are not so bad, and there is room for optimism. Over the last thirty years, productivity growth has been much higher in Europe than in the United States. Productivity levels are roughly similar in the European Union and in the United States today. The main difference is that Europe has used some of the increase in productivity to increase leisure rather than income, while the U.S. has done the opposite. Turning to the present, a deep and wide ranging reform process is taking place. This reform process is driven by reforms in financial and product markets. Reforms in those markets are in turn putting pressure for reform in the labor market. Reform in the labor market will eventually take place, but not overnight and not without political tensions. These tensions have dominated and will continue to dominate the news; but they are a symptom of change, not a reflection of immobility.

Suggested Citation

Blanchard, Olivier J., The Economic Future of Europe (March 2004). NBER Working Paper No. w10310, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=510064

Olivier J. Blanchard (Contact Author)

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) ( email )

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Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Peterson Institute for International Economics ( email )

1750 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
United States

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