Why It Pays to Synchronize Structural Reforms in the Euro Area Across Markets and Countries

Simulations with the IMF's Global Economy Model, calibrated to the European Union, suggest that there are sizable long-term gains in output and employment from boosting competition in product and labor markets. Coordinating reforms across these markets in a given country is found to be beneficial: it reduces transition costs in the short run and generates synergies in the long run. However, to prevent a temporary fall in euro area consumption, synchronization across countries is needed if they are to benefit from a monetary policy reaction. IMF Staff Papers (2008) 55, 356–366. doi:10.1057/imfsp.2008.6; published online 8 April 2008