This paper discusses the conditions under which currency unions would be desirable and viable. We discuss and present new empirical evidence concerning the operation of existing currency unions in federal states and among regional country groupings. In particular, we examine the traditional criteria for optimal currency areas and present evidence concerning the shock-absorbing properties of federal fiscal systems and the discipline imposed on the public sector by financial markets. We also examine the implications of economic heterogeneity across a currency union, and whether or not convergence should be achieved before rather than after the union occurs. In addition, some issues relating to the possible transition towards monetary union in Europe are considered.
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Paper provided by C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers in its series CEPR Discussion Papers with number
617.
Find related papers by JEL classification: E63 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Comparative or Joint Analysis of Fiscal and Monetary Policy; Stabilization F33 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Monetary Arrangements and Institutions F36 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Financial Aspects of Economic Integration
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