The European Economic and Monetary Union
The
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is multinational integration involving a
common monetary policy and closely coordinated economic policies of the member
states. EMU includes the coordination of economic and fiscal policies, a common
monetary policy, and a common currency, the euro. The policies integrate 28
Eurozone states, as well as non-euro European Union (EU) states. EMU has to be
based on a common market in goods and services but is itself necessary for the
proper functioning of the common market, as exchange rate variations between
Member States' currencies hamper trade and investments. Euro has eliminated
foreign exchange costs and exchange rate fluctuations and has strengthened trade
within the EMU.
The
decision to form an Economic and Monetary Union was taken by the European
Council in the Dutch city of Maastricht in December 1991, and was thereafter
protected in the Treaty on European Union (the Maastricht Treaty). Economic and
Monetary Union took the EU one step ahead in its process of economic
integration, which was started in 1957 when it was established. Economic
amalgamation brought the benefits of greater size, internal efficiency and strength
to the EU economy as a whole and also to the economies of the individual Member
States. This gave opportunities for economic stability, higher growth and more
employment – outcomes of direct benefit to EU citizens. The significant
features of EMU are:
·
Bring together economic
policy-making between Member States
·
Coordination of fiscal
policies, notably through limits on government debt and deficit
·
An independent monetary
policy run by the European Central Bank (ECB)
·
Single rules and
supervision of financial Institutions within the euro area
·
The single currency and
the euro area
The
European Central Bank (ECB) is the central monetary policy force in the
European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). The ECB’s chief responsibility is
to safeguard price stability. Due to monetary policy, it aims to fix the
inflation under two percent. After that, ECB's task is to support economic
well-being in achieving a high rate of employment - as long as that does not risk
price stability.
However,
the EU is weakened by economic crisis and shaken by a sharp and awakening
populism. Besides, the European region is always facing crises emerging from a
looming Brexit, growing indifference towards its longstanding democratic
credentials and institutions, divisions of monetary and financial resources,
and, lastly, territorial dislocation.The EU leadership is pushing through
serious political and economic instabilities. Despite all the existing hurdles,
the members know that breaking up would be traumatic, both economically and
politically. Further, such disintegration, would lead to the fall of the EU
itself. It is also good that the Euro has forced some important reform measures
across its members.
The
latest focus is the European elections in May 2019. They are decisive for the
direction the EU will follow: either a sovereign and strong EU or weak national
states not being able to compete with the US or China. European businesses
should engage in promoting a strong Europe, multilateralism and an open,
liberal trade order. Therefore, companies should intensely defend these
positions in public.
Comments
Post a Comment