This module examines key issues of the international monetary system with a focus on Europe. It begins by examining the historical context and evolution, which form the basis of analysis of the political and the economic background leading to the formation of European Monetary Union. The module provides theoretical and empirical analysis of the costs and benefits of monetary union (basic framework and tools in international macroeconomics are introduced where needed). Other topics covered include: fiscal policy and the stability pact, monetary policy decision making in the European Monetary Union, and incomplete monetary union. |