2009 will be a challenging year for EMU and Franco-German relations regarding which economic policies to adopt. ++ The two countries traditionally differ on their stance vis à vis the role of the ECB, namely its degree of independence. ++ The French have often accused their neighbor of gleaning “unfair economic advantage from the EU.” ++ Criticism has risen under Sarkozy and culminated
... More
Outperforming the dollar and the yen, the euro is a resounding success. ++ Still, Eurozone policymakers should allow for more economic freedom and encourage competition. ++ Europe should stop supporting national enterprises and give the ECB more support. ++ In terms of external economic policy, Europe should offer the world its experience and help reform the G8 and IMF as well as deal with
... More
