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Which bite harder: new or old EU fiscal rules? Backcasting Croatian episode under the EDP

Author

Listed:
  • Frane Banić

    (Croatian National Bank, Croatia)

  • Milan Deskar-Škrbić

    (Croatian National Bank, Croatia)

  • Maroje Lang

    (Croatian National Bank, Croatia)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explain the main features of the latest reform of the EU fiscal framework and to illustrate the differences between the new and old EU fiscal rules, using Croatia's experience during the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) activated in 2014. Our results suggest that the new rules provide greater flexibility, allow for a longer fiscal adjustment, and mitigate the potential pro-cyclical nature of fiscal consolidation. The main limitation of our analysis are the difficulties related to the construction of a hypothetical scenario that would fully capture the political, economic, and institutional context surrounding the activation of the EDP in Croatia, or assumptions regarding the behaviour of fiscal policymakers in such a scenario. The paper nevertheless contributes to the ongoing debate on the implications of the reform of EU fiscal rules at both academic and policy levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Frane Banić & Milan Deskar-Škrbić & Maroje Lang, 2025. "Which bite harder: new or old EU fiscal rules? Backcasting Croatian episode under the EDP," Surveys 42, The Croatian National Bank, Croatia.
  • Handle: RePEc:hnb:survey:42
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    File URL: https://www.hnb.hr/documents/d/guest/s-042
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • E62 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Fiscal Policy; Modern Monetary Theory
    • F42 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - International Policy Coordination and Transmission
    • H60 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - General
    • H61 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Budget; Budget Systems
    • H62 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Deficit; Surplus
    • H63 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Debt; Debt Management; Sovereign Debt

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