DP342 Macroeconomic Policy Coordination and the European Monetary System

Author(s): Richard Portes
Publication Date: September 1989
Keyword(s): EC, Exchange Rates, Fiscal Policy, Policy Coordination
JEL(s): 431, 432
Programme Areas: International Macroeconomics
Link to this Page: cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=342

This paper discusses the EMS and proposals to move towards EMU in the context of recent theoretical and empirical work on international policy coordination. It treats two particular themes: asymmetry among EMS countries and its implications for policy coordination; and the coordination required to reach agreed European Community macroeconomic policies. Section 1 examines policy coordination in a fixed exchange rate system. Section 2 discusses policy coordination in the Delors Committee Report, with its emphasis on fiscal policies. Section 3 deals with asymmetry and hegemony, and Section 4 suggests reasons to strengthen "absolute" policy coordination in the EC.