The zero level of interest rates constitutes a limit of this standard monetary policy instrument. Based on the example of the Czech Republic we argue that in such a situation foreign exchange interventions represent a meaningful monetary policy tool for small open economies not facing serious...

We empirically assess whether firms face economies and/or diseconomies of scale with respect to air pollution control by evaluating the effects of production on firmlevel air emission levels using a panel of Czech firms during the country’s transitional period of 1993 to 1998. By estimating a...

Promoting competition among electricity producers is primarily targeted at ensuring low electricity prices for consumers. Producers could, however, withhold part of production facilities (i.e., apply a capacity cutting strategy) and thereby push more expensive production facilities to satisfy...