The Mirages of Nominal Illusion: Variations on Convergence
Abstract
The euro, the European single currency, was launched in Europe on 1 January 1999, and the subsequent Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) now comprises virtually all European Union (EU) members, namely twelve countries out of fifteen; the United Kingdom, Denmark and Sweden chose to opt out. However successful, economic policy management has never produced a perfect solution to a certain number of fundamental issues. How can a single monetary policy be made compatible with specific economic backgrounds (economic cycles, inflation); independent and yet capped fiscal policies; distinct labour markets; and different economic and social patterns?