The European Union toward the Crisis of Public Finances in the Eurozone Cover Image

Unia Europejska wobec kryzysu finansów publicznych w strefie euro
The European Union toward the Crisis of Public Finances in the Eurozone

Author(s): Piotr Kalka
Subject(s): Economy
Published by: Instytut Zachodni im. Zygmunta Wojciechowskiego

Summary/Abstract: The author presents initiatives launched by the European Union in order to overcome the financial crisis of the eurozone member states. To meet this goal emergency instruments were created (aid programs for Greece, European Stability Mechanism and purchase by the European Central Bank of loans issued by countries of the eurozone in debt crisis) as well as permanent instruments (the Euro Plus Pact, sharpened regulations of the Stability and Growth Pact and the Fiscal Pact). Emergency measures did not bring about any substantial positive effects since only the financial situation of Ireland improved to some extent. The state of public finances in Greece is still critical and therefore many economists suggest that this country should declare its bankruptcy. Permanent instruments to fight debt might yield the desired effects (in the case of a majority of the eurozone countries) if they are used consistently and in accordance with their object.

  • Issue Year: 342/2012
  • Issue No: 02
  • Page Range: 145-170
  • Page Count: 26
  • Language: Polish