The European Union - Current Problems and Prospects

This book considers some important economic issues currently facing the EU and examines its prospects. The chapters examine the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines, econometric evidence of productivity convergence among the EU countries, the Growth and Stability Pact, problems of the comparison of measures of GDP between the EU and US, company taxation in the enlarged EU, the effect of an aging population on the public pensions in the EU, the CAP and the European constitution and fiscal federalism.

Introduction; J.McCombie & C.Rodriguez Guidelines for Sustained Growth in the EU? The Concept and Consequences of the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines; E.Hein & T.Niechoj Does the Maastricht Treaty Matter for Real Convergence? D.Furceri 'Nonsense Upon Stilts': An Assessment of the European Stability and Growth Pact and How it Might be Reformed; N.Allington & J.McCombie Is the Transatlantic Gap in Economic Growth Really Widening?; J.Hartwig Company Tax Competition and Coordination in an Enlarged EU; M.Schratzenstaller Does an Aging Population Justify a Radical Reform of Public Pension Systems in the European Union?; F.Serrano & J.Ferreiro The European Union Budget: CAP and European Economic Priorities; J.R.Murua & J.Albiac The European Union and (Fiscal) Federalism; R.H.Alves