With the start of EMU, the Eurosystem has taken over monetary policy for the 11 countries of the Euro area. But the division of powers within the Eurosystem, between the European Central Bank and the constituent National Central Banks, is not satisfactory. This volume provides an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Eurosystem and offers concrete proposals concerning the decision making organs, balance sheets and the distribution of seigniorage.

With the start of EMU, the Eurosystem has taken over monetary policy for the 11 countries of the Euro-area. But the division of powers within the Eurosystem, between the European Central Bank and the constituent National Central Banks, is not satisfactory. This volume provides an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Eurosystem and offers concrete proposals concerning the decision-making organs, balance sheets and the distribution of seigniorage.