This paper assesses the relevance of the competitiveness argument in the debate on the current situation of the Spanish economy. We estimate error-correction models for exports and imports. Econometric analyses suggest that external demand and domestic activity are the more important...

It is often claimed that tax and welfare reforms that aim at enhancing efficiency may come at the cost of cyclical stabilisation. Reducing the generosity of welfare systems and lowering taxes may boost efficiency and output, and improve market adjustment to shocks. But, by reducing the size of...

The issue of shocks affecting participants in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in Europe asymmetrically is an important concern of both economists and policy makers. The present paper focuses on the likelihood of asymmetric shocks in Europe originating from the impact of exchange rate...