Reinforcing European Integration to Promote the Euro: A Range of Policy Options

Abstract

The theme of this conference is the euro as a stabilizing force in the international economic system. The subject can be approached from the outside, that is, the point of view of other currencies as well as the links with a new organization of the International Monetary System (IMS). This is effectively the approach chosen by the majority of the contributions. Or else one could take an internal perspective by examining how the organization and the functioning of the European Union (EU) could help fostering the international role of the euro given that the latter benefits from the strength of the European economy as well as from the external strategy of the European political union. This is the approach adopted here.

Notes

1. In a deliberately succinct way, this chapter uses some reflections that have been presented by the author more comprehensively in recent times at various conferences. The ensuing papers will be published soon:

‘L’Euro, achèvement et point de départ’, Colloque Jean Monnet ‘L’Euro et le monde’, Coimbra Lisbonne, 1-4 juillet 1998. Actes diffusés par l’Action Jean Monnet, DG X Commission européenne, Bruxelles.

‘Actions communautaires en faveur des ajustements nécessaires du système productif européen.’ Colloque ECSA-World, Bruxelles, 17-18 septembre 1998. Actes disponibles début 1999 à l’Action Jean Monnet, DG X Commission européenne, Bruxelles.

‘Une vision élargie de la coordination budgétaire dans l’Union européenne.’ 4A Conferenza annuale della Facolta di Economia: Il governo dell’Economia in Europa et in Italia, Pavia, 9-10 octobre 1998, à paraître dans The European Union Review, début 1999.