The first part of the paper analyzes the inflationary risks associated with price liberalization, the welfare costs of inflation and the difficulties of East European central banks in pursuing non-inflationary policies. The main obstacles are the low credibility of stabilization policies and a...

The paper empirically analyzes asymmetries in the EMS with special reference to their implication for the creation of a monetary union (EMU). Two types of asymmetries are analyzed: those in the form of "German dominance" are detected in the conduct of monetary policies in the EMS, in particular...

Rapid trade liberalization is often followed by a decline in private savings, although permanent changes in trade policy do not affect intertemporal prices and should thus leave private savings unaffected. But a positive probability of future policy reversal lowers the consumption rate of...

This paper discusses the problems the Dutch economy has experienced during the last seven years, pinpoints problems for future developments of the Dutch economy, and surveys the political-economic debate in the Netherlands. The focus is on the unemployment problem, still unsolved and therefore...

This study analyses the likely pattern of structural adjustment of the Greek economy as economic integration proceeds, in light of the structural rigidities present in the commodity, capital and labour markets. The presence of such rigidities is attributed to `state corporatism', identified as...

Acid rain is caused by sulphur dioxide (SO2), largely from power stations, and nitrogen oxides (NOx), half of which comes from vehicles. The paper attempts to quantify the costs and benefits of abatement in Europe, and concludes that the current agreement on uniform reductions from 1980 levels...

In this paper we use a recently developed multivariate cointegration technique to analyse the degree of policy convergence of EMS member relative to that of some non-EMS countries. Interestingly, we find convergence for the nominal and real exchange rates and money supplies of the EMS members...

The recent theory of exchange rate dynamics within a target zone holds that exchange rates under a currency band are less responsive to fundamental shocks than exchange rates under a free float, provided that the intervention rules of the Central Bank(s) are common knowledge. These results are...

In this paper we examine the international implications of monetary union in the European Community (EMU) and the associated international costs and benefits. We consider prospective changes in international institutions, the potential role of the ecu as an international currency, and the...

Poland has tackled its economic problems with courage and, thus far, success. Hyperinflation has ceased, the well-chosen exchange rate has held, and wage behaviour has been responsible.A major recession is under way, and it must not become endemic. A big export effort is needed, followed with...