This study looks at the Euro from a number of different angles. It first examines the theoretical basis for a single currency area in Europe, and then outlines the history of that single currency's creation, from the 'snake' in the 1970s to the introduction of Euro notes and coins at the...

Everyone believes that they know what an interest rate is. This study, however, examines some of the theoretical and practical complexities: the differences between interest, rent and profit; between nominal and real rates; between long and short rates; and how these interact. It looks, in...

Once the euro is a reality, participating Member States will be unable to alter exchange and interest rates. Nor will there be a large federal budget and significant labour mobility, as in the US. How will they then cope with 'asymmetric shocks' ? This study examines these questions in the light...

Multilateral trade negotiations limited to agriculture started again in March 2000. Set out in Article 20 of the Agreement on Agriculture, they are among the WTOs built-in agenda commitments which Member countries entered into when signing the Final Act Embodying the Results of the Uruguay Round...

The purpose of this research is to examine whether there is common legislation and common policies in each Member State as well as in each of the candidate countries of the European Union to guarantee the right to defence and fair legal procedures. The study therefore analyses the domestic...

This study is essentially an updated version of two earlier texts in this series: Tax Competition in the European Union (ECON 105 of October 1998) and Tax Co-ordination in the European Union (ECON 125 of January 2001). It covers much of the same ground as these studies, but takes into account...

The recent financial crises in Asia, Russia and Latin America have focussed attention on the effectiveness of the world's 'financial architecture'. The freeing of capital movements and the globalisation of markets have boosted economic growth; but also increased instability and systemic risk....

Prospects for the European Union and the Euro Area look sound, but there is a risk of a significant slowdown in the US. Central banks in the European Union should stand ready to offset any deflationary impacts from abroad. The appreciation of the Euro and lower oil prices should help moderate...

This note intends to present the most recent facts and figures on trafficking in women and children. It will define the main concepts related to this issue, then present the data available and the causes often proposed to account for this phenomenon and finally the actions taken by the EU in...

Cette étude a été demandée par La Commission des Affaires Juridiques du Parlement européen.