Market-preserving fiscal federalism in the European Monetary Union

van Riet, Ad (2015): Market-preserving fiscal federalism in the European Monetary Union. Published in: Proceedings of Workshop ‘Toward a Genuine Economic and Monetary Union’, 10-11 September 2015 No. 21 (25 March 2016): pp. 101-140.

Abstract

Responding to the euro crisis, European leaders have put in place an enhanced economic and financial governance framework for the euro area, including the main pillars of a banking union, while they have initiated work on a capital markets union. This should more effectively secure sound national macroeconomic and fiscal policies, a healthy financial sector and the stability of the euro. This paper poses the question whether the status quo of half-way political integration is sufficient to safeguard the cohesion and integrity of the euro area. National governments still have considerable leeway to circumvent the “hard” budget constraint and the strong market competition implied by the euro area’s “holy trinity” (one market, one currency and one monetary policy). For example, they might target captive sovereign debt markets or take protectionist measures. This economic nationalism would entrench the crisis-related fragmentation of the single market and frustrate the efficient functioning of the monetary union. A higher level of market-preserving fiscal federalism could prevent member countries from encroaching on markets and foster sustainable economic convergence towards an optimal currency area.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: European Monetary Union, monetary policy trilemma, protectionism, market fragmentation, fiscal federalism
• Subjects: E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics > E6 - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook; F - International Economics > F3 - International Finance > F33 - International Monetary Arrangements and Institutions; F - International Economics > F4 - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance; H - Public Economics > H7 - State and Local Government ; Intergovernmental Relations

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