This book assesses how EU economies have fared in their project of economic and monetary union. Drawing on an entirely new data bank for all fifteen member countries, it takes the Spanish economy as a point of departure to compare their gains and losses. It also considers the implications for the welfare state, enlargement towards Eastern Europe and the political integration of Europe. Combining rigorous analysis and clarity of style, the book is of value to both specialists and the general reader.

Autorentext

CARMELA MARTIN is Jean Monnet Professor of European Economic Integration and Professor in Applied Economics in the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. She is also Director of the Research Department in European Studies, FUNCAS (Fundacion de las Caja de Ahorros).

Inhalt

List of Tables and Figures Foreword by Luis Angel Rojo Preface List of Abbreviations Introduction: Changes in the International Economic Setting PART ONE: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS Growth and Structural Changes Productivity and its Determinants Activity, Employment and Unemployment Costs, Prices and Competitiveness Public Finances and Fiscal Policy External Sector Nominal and Real Convergence PART TWO: EVALUATION OF THE INTEGRATION PROCESS Trade Relations Direct Investment Flows Migratory Flows The Community Budget and its Functions Unification of Monetary Policy in Europe Epilogue: Prospects and Economic Strategies for the Spain of the Euro Appendix I: Chronology of the European Integration Process Appendix II: Methodological Problems of International Comparisons Index