What is European Integration Really About? A Political Guide for Economists

Enrico Spolaore

No 19122, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Europe's monetary union is part of a broader process of integration that started in the aftermath of World War II. In this "political guide for economists" we look at the creation of the euro within the bigger picture of European integration. How and why were European institutions established? What are the goals and determinants of European Integration? What is European integration really about? We address these questions from a political-economy perspective, building on ideas and results from the economic literature on the formation of states and political unions. Specifically, we look at the motivations, assumptions, and limitations of the European strategy, initiated by Jean Monnet and his collaborators, of partially integrating policy functions in a few areas, with the expectation that more integration will follow in other areas, in a sort of chain reaction towards an "ever-closer union." The euro with its current problems is a child of that strategy and its limits.

JEL-codes: F15 F50 F55 H40 H77 N44 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-eec, nep-pke and nep-pol
Note: IFM ITI PE POL
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (75)

Published as Enrico Spolaore, 2013. "What Is European Integration Really About? A Political Guide for Economists," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 27(3), pages 125-44, Summer.

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Journal Article: What Is European Integration Really About? A Political Guide for Economists (2013)
Working Paper: What is European Integration Really About? A Political Guide for Economists (2013)
Working Paper: What Is European Integration Really About? A Political Guide for Economists (2013)
Working Paper: What Is European Integration Really About? A Political Guide for Economists (2013)
Working Paper: What Is European Integration Really About? A Political Guide for Economists (2013)
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