The policy mix and policy coordination in EMU – how can it contribute to higher growth and employment?
Watt, Andrew ; Hallwirth, Volker
Transfer. European Review of Labour and Research
2003
9
4
Winter
610-632
economic policy ; EMU ; fiscal policy ; macroeconomics ; trade union role ; wage policy
EMU and International monetary system
English
Bibliogr.
"This article makes a case for improved coordination between the three main areas of economic policy - monetary, fiscal and wage policy - in the context of EMU. Focusing in particular on the monetary-wage policy link, it argues that, in an uncertain world, a coordinated macro policy mix would produce superior results than the current policy assignment, raising the rate at which the European economy can grow without inflationary pressures. However, such a strategy must overcome a number of practical difficulties and political opposition. The Macroeconomic Dialogue could provide a forum for discussions between policy actors on a more cooperative, growth and employment-oriented strategy. Trade unions must play a key role both in coordinating their wage policies and in promoting greater interaction with the other policy-mix actors. "
Paper
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