This book considers some important economic issues currently facing the EU and examines its prospects. The chapters examine the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines, econometric evidence of productivity convergence among the EU countries, the Growth and Stability Pact, problems of the comparison of measures of GDP between the EU and US, company taxation in the enlarged EU, the effect of an aging population on the public pensions in the EU, the CAP and the European constitution and fiscal federalism.

This book investigates the contemporary functioning of financial institutions and monetary policies in order to assess their effects in different economic situations. It advances some proposals to improve their contribution towards a more stable and vigorous economy in the context of both developed and developing countries. This book includes important contributions on the theory and econometric testing of monetary policy strategies, hedging by firms, financial liberalization in Latin America and the role of financial institutions in promoting economic development.