Are better defined rules enough? An assessment of the post-crisis reforms of the governance of EMU

Abstract

The extensive economic governance reforms in the euro area since 2010 have put in place a system (EMU 2) that is intended to be more intrusive, prescriptive and enforceable in constraining Member State economic policies. It can be characterized as a recasting of the stability-orientated framework which is intended to correct the acknowledged shortcomings of the original set-up (EMU 1), but does not fundamentally alter the policy model. Rather its ambition is to be more effective, notably in implementation. This article revisits the economic arguments for monetary integration and considers whether the core features of the new model and the economic logic that underpins them will improve the governance of EMU in assuring macroeconomic stability. It draws attention to remaining gaps in the governance system and discusses possible further reforms.