The present paper contains a brief presentation and analysis, in a historical perspective through the lens of the recent major crises, of the legal framework governing the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), as well as current developments and challenges ahead. It is structured in three...

The present study is structured in two Chapters – the first containing three Sections and the second two – as follows:(a) Chapter One focuses on the European Central Bank (ECB) within the European System of Central Banks (ESCB):• the first two Sections (A and B) briefly discuss the...

The present University notes contain a brief presentation and analysis of the legal framework governing the single monetary policy in the euro area, as this developed from the establishment of the Eurosystem until today. It is structured in four Sections: Section A deals with the definition of...

This study discusses recent and current conditions relating to financial stability in the euro area, developing, in particular, on the impact of the current “inflation crisis” on financial stability vulnerabilities. Furthermore, it addresses two related priorities for the Single Resolution...

The recent "eurozone crisis" called attention to the substantial current account imbalances within the euro area which had built up in previous years. This "crisis" was primarily triggered by unsustainable fiscal debts and deficits, but it has frequently been suggested that the underlying...

The rising delinquencies in the U.S. subprime mortgage market in 2006 and the succeeding collapse in housing prices had a considerably negative impact on the functioning of the European financial systems and the smooth operation of European economies. Indeed, in the Euro-area, what started as a...

This paper explores the economic rationale of an EMU fiscal capacity. It explains that the EMU's architecture suffers from two structural weaknesses: a tendency to develop imbalances and an inherent deflationary bias. The analysis shows that the external imbalances developed during the first...

This paper considers the benefits to Greece, the Euro zone and the rest of the world arising from policies that prevent a Greek default and exit from the Euro, compares these benefits with the costs of the preventive policies and concludes that the benefits exceed the costs. The rational case...

The European debt crisis triggered a debate on the lacking components of the EU and EMU integration architecture. Many believe that a common currency requires closer fiscal and political integration as a condition for its survival. This opinion is not necessarily supported by the experience of...