This dissertation is a collection of four articles focused on the seeking of rents, which are rewards and prizes not earned or not consistent with competitive market returns. Each article explores a different aspect of the topic, focusing on the consequences, determinants or measurement of...

This contribution examines fiscal policy co-ordination in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and discusses whether the amendments of the Stability and Growth Pact proposed in the past, some of which have since been implemented, enhance budget discipline. In doing so, it provides a detailed...