The main goal of the first-generation expenditure rules was to ensure fiscal discipline: preserving a sound fiscal framework and public debt sustainability. Regarding this goal, analytically as well as empirically, limiting the share of public expenditure in GDP would be more appropriate in case...

A large share of euro area member states is highly indebted. On average, their debt ratios have experienced a strong and continued upward trend that needs to be reversed. The debt sustainability analysis in the new fiscal rules provides great flexibility to member statesbut exhibits weaknesses...

A large share of euro area member states is highly indebted. On average, their debt ratios have experienced a strong and continued upward trend that needs to be reversed. The debt sustainability analysis in the new fiscal rules provides great flexibility to member statesbut exhibits weaknesses...