This book examines key aspects of the measurement of fiscal policy making in the EU fiscal surveillance framework, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of current assessment practice. Based on the proceedings of a workshop organized by the European Commission's Directorate-General Economic and Financial Affairs, the book's contributions from leading experts will be of particular value to individuals and institutions involved in the fields of national and international economics and finance. Key Features: Chapters are arranged within three main sections: Long-term sustainability; Measurement of the underlying budgetary position and discretionary fiscal policy; Reliability of fiscal indicators Edited by Martin Larch and Jo Nogueira Martins Expert contributors include Ant Afonso, Fabrizio Balassone, Fernando Ballabriga, Roy Barrell, Peter Brandner, Peter Claeys, Leopold Diebalek, Per Eckefeldt, Jonas Fischer, Daniele Franco, Jagadeesh Gokhale, Ian Hurst, Walpurga K hler-T glhofer, Gy rgy Kopits, Martin Larch, Carlos Martinez-Mongay, James Mitchell, Jo Nogueira Martins, Jan in 't Veld, Stefania Zotteri Text amply supported by charts and tables. Bibliography and Index

On 1 January 1999 eleven EU Member States adopted a new currency - the euro. The introduction of the euro was a remarkable feat in the history of European monetary, financial, economic and political integration. It was an event of worldwide significance. Despite much criticism and predictions that it would quickly collapse, the first decade of the euro has been a remarkable success. The euro area has now expanded to 16 members with a combined population of 326 million and contributes 16 per cent of global output. This 2010 book was the first to provide a wide-ranging strategic review of the first decade of the euro. Written by an impressive line-up of academic and professional economists, The Euro: The First Decade is an invaluable reference for scholars and policy makers who wish to know more about the successes and failures of the euro and the challenges that lie ahead.