The deepening crisis of the European Union: the case for radical change
The deepening crisis of the European Union: the case for radical change
Contributor(s): Włodzimierz Dymarski (Editor), Marica Frangakis (Editor), Jeremy Leaman (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Social Sciences, Economy, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Governance, Sociology, Labor relations, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Welfare systems, Economic development, Law on Economics, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Fiscal Politics / Budgeting, Globalization, EU-Legislation, Geopolitics
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego w Poznaniu
Keywords: European Union;crisis 2008+;Berlin consensus;Spain;EU social model;capitalism;uneven development;
Summary/Abstract: This volume is drawn in large part from academic papers presented at the 18th EuroMemo Conference at the Poznań University of Economics in September 2012. The first section is devoted to an examination of deficiencies of both the structures of political decision-making in the European Union and of the conduct of EU crisis management since 2008. The second section considers broader features of Europe's political economy which have a fundamental influence on its general evolution and the development of its deepening crisis. The third and final section includes the chapters which, in different ways, address key challenges facing the advanced economies of Europe at a fundamental and critical juncture in their development. "The book is a much needed addition to the literature on Europe’s structural growth weaknesses and the mismanagement of the 'Great recession' at both European and member state level. The critical viewpoint is stressed on the EU basic institutional biases together with suggestion of alternative solutions respectful of social needs and the well-being of citizens" (Nicola Acocella, Professor of Economic Policy, Department of Methods and Models for Economics, Territory and Finance, Faculty of Economics, University of Rome 'La Sapienza').
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-83-7417-789-4
- Page Count: 238
- Publication Year: 2014
- Language: English
Berlin consensus and disintegration: monetary regime and uneven development in the EU
Berlin consensus and disintegration: monetary regime and uneven development in the EU
(Berlin consensus and disintegration: monetary regime and uneven development in the EU)
- Author(s):Joachim Becker, Rudi Weissenbacher
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economy, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Financial Markets, EU-Legislation
- Page Range:15-32
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:European Union;Berlin consensus;uneven development;disintegration;
- Summary/Abstract:The chapter draws analogy between the so-called Washington Consensus, as the ideological basis of global development policy since the early 1980s, and the current 'Berlin consensus' which is imposing on Europe's southern and eastern peripheries damaging adjustment policies that both hinder their development and reinforce the trend towards disintegration.
The political economy of the 'Euro-system'
The political economy of the 'Euro-system'
(The political economy of the 'Euro-system')
- Author(s):Michel Husson
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economy, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Law on Economics, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, EU-Legislation
- Page Range:33-57
- No. of Pages:25
- Keywords:European Union;Eurozone crisis;
- Summary/Abstract:Author examines the design faults of the Euro System with a detailed macroeconomic analysis of its structural contradictions. In particular he presents a differentiated diagnosis of the current crisis, which he contrasts with the orthodox focus on the symptom of sovereign debt. The conclusion produces a stark choice between 'the break-up of the Euro-system or its radical re-foundation'.
Boom and (deep) crisis in the Spanish economy: the role of the EU in its evolution
Boom and (deep) crisis in the Spanish economy: the role of the EU in its evolution
(Boom and (deep) crisis in the Spanish economy: the role of the EU in its evolution)
- Author(s):Miren Etxezarreta, Francisco Navarro, Ramón Ribera-Fumaz, Victòria Soldevila
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economy, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Sociology, Labor relations, Economic development, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Globalization, EU-Legislation
- Page Range:58-89
- No. of Pages:32
- Keywords:European Union;Spain;economic growth and development;crisis 2008+;
- Summary/Abstract:In this chapter the focus is on the specific influence of the crisis on the Spanish economy. Authors examine the transformation of Spain's development from 'economic miracle' to chronic depression and catastrophic unemployment levels. They analyse the endogenous factors which compounded the crisis and, in particular, the effects of policy failure at EU level.
Impact of the global crisis on the economic performance of Central and East European countries
Impact of the global crisis on the economic performance of Central and East European countries
(Impact of the global crisis on the economic performance of Central and East European countries)
- Author(s):Włodzimierz Dymarski
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economy, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Labor relations, Economic development, Law on Economics, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Globalization, EU-Legislation
- Page Range:90-111
- No. of Pages:22
- Keywords:CEE countries;European Union;crisis 2008+;economic growth and development;consumption;employment;
- Summary/Abstract:In this chapter the focus is on the specific influence of the crisis on the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Author reveals significant contrasts between the macroeconomic performance of CEE economies since 2007, with severe, two-digit recessions in the Baltic states and uninterrupted growth in Poland, underscoring the relative vulnerability of the smaller economies with its stronger domestic demand factors. However, even in those economies that show some signs of recovery, chronic levels of youth unemployment indicate serious challenges for both domestic and European policy-makers.
The financial crisis and the restructuring of the EU social model
The financial crisis and the restructuring of the EU social model
(The financial crisis and the restructuring of the EU social model)
- Author(s):Mahmood Messkoub
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Marxist economics, Sociology, Labor relations, Government/Political systems, Welfare systems, Economic development, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Fiscal Politics / Budgeting, Globalization
- Page Range:112-124
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:European Union;crisis 2007–2009;EU social model;poverty & employment;ineaquality;solidarity;
- Summary/Abstract:Author examines the particular effects of the financial crisis on the systems of social welfare within Europe. He identifies clear signs of a recommodification of welfare and the erosion of 'long cherished principles of reducing inequality, building and consolidating solidarity through a progressive social policy'. He highlights the particular threat to the 'solidarity model of asymmetrical mutuality' represented by destructive processes of austerity and the limited and contradictory ambitions of the Europe 2020 programme.
Crises and capitalist oligarchies: a radical critique of society and its political economy
Crises and capitalist oligarchies: a radical critique of society and its political economy
(Crises and capitalist oligarchies: a radical critique of society and its political economy)
- Author(s):Judith Dellheim
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economy, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Political Philosophy, Governance, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Socio-Economic Research, EU-Legislation
- Page Range:127-157
- No. of Pages:31
- Keywords:European Union;crisis 2007–2009;oligarchic capitalism;
- Summary/Abstract:Author's examination of 'crises and capitalist oligarchies' focuses on the socio-economic power exerted by economic elites in advanced economies and the particular role of contemporary oligarchies in shaping the mode of production of financialised capitalism. The author underscores the malign effect of intertwined ownership structures (including the role of credit rating agencies) on human and environmental development and proposes a radical reordering of social and economic priorities.
EU governance: democracy as a mere fragment of political discourse
EU governance: democracy as a mere fragment of political discourse
(EU governance: democracy as a mere fragment of political discourse)
- Author(s):Giovanni Esposito, Tomaso Ferrando
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economy, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Government/Political systems, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, EU-Legislation
- Page Range:158-175
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:European Union;political discourse;national parliaments;Early Warning Mechanism;Informal Political Dialogue;democracy;
- Summary/Abstract:The chapter illustrates the particular problems of the mismatch of rhetorical pledges by the EU to address the region's democratic deficit and the reality of inertia in the region's democratisation; they achieve this via a quantitative analysis of real policy processes involving national parliaments and their engagement with EU directives.
The need for a radical 'growth policy' agenda for Europe at a time of crisis
The need for a radical 'growth policy' agenda for Europe at a time of crisis
(The need for a radical 'growth policy' agenda for Europe at a time of crisis)
- Author(s):Peter Herrmann, Marica Frangakis
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economy, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Sociology, Environmental and Energy policy, Government/Political systems, Economic development, Law on Economics, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Globalization, EU-Legislation
- Page Range:179-194
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:European Union;crisis 2008+;growth policy;
- Summary/Abstract:Authors focus on the urgent need for a radical growth policy agenda within the EU and its member states. They develop a concept of growth which is distinct from 'capitalist growth' and from the simple expansion of the output of exchange values; they thereby seek to address the issues of ecological and economic sustainability as well as the development of global human society under the conditions of solidarity and justice.
The future of capitalism will be decided in the cities
The future of capitalism will be decided in the cities
(The future of capitalism will be decided in the cities)
- Author(s):Mikael Stigendal
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economy, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Sociology, Welfare systems, Economic development, Law on Economics, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Globalization, EU-Legislation
- Page Range:195-210
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:European Union;crisis 2008+;economic growth and development;cities;capitalism;
- Summary/Abstract:Author considers the problematic of growth in a study of the potential for local solutions (in cities in particular) for overcoming the contradictions of financialised capitalism and the dominance of exchange value. This would include, apart from new methods of measuring 'growth', recognizing an strengthening needs-driven growth and production outside the market with particular reference to the relationship between 'growth' and welfare. Author sees the particular potential for reshaping the EU's Structural Funds and more specific funds like URBAN and URBACT for promoting locally legitimated innovative projects which prioritise use values.
The preconditions for reducing social inequality in Europe
The preconditions for reducing social inequality in Europe
(The preconditions for reducing social inequality in Europe)
- Author(s):Jeremy Leaman
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economy, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Sociology, Labor relations, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, Welfare systems, Economic development, Law on Economics, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Fiscal Politics / Budgeting, Globalization, EU-Legislation
- Page Range:211-234
- No. of Pages:24
- Keywords:European Union;crisis 2008+;social inequality;EU taxation policy;
- Summary/Abstract:Author, building on the contributions of Messkoub and others, assesses the particular challenges of reversing the trend within European societies towards greater inequalities of income and wealth. Beyond the intellectual challenge of weakening the grip of disciplinary neoliberalism on both policy elites and many elements of European political culture, the trust of a progressive social agenda has to address the widening disparities of 'market incomes' as an issue of public policy, as well as the fiscal implications of a system of asymmetrical mutuality (Messkoub). Recent taxation policy has tolerated divergence among member state tax systems, encouraging both inter-state tax competition and weakening the fiscal potential for neutralising chronic social disparities. Reversing this trend and establishing sustainable and progressive systems of public goods and public finance is a critical precondition for the survival of the European project.
Lists of tables, figures and boxes
Lists of tables, figures and boxes
(Lists of tables, figures and boxes)
- Contributor(s):Włodzimierz Dymarski (Editor), Marica Frangakis (Editor), Jeremy Leaman (Editor)
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economy, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence
- Page Range:235-236
- No. of Pages:2
Notes on contributors
Notes on contributors
(Notes on contributors)
- Contributor(s):Włodzimierz Dymarski (Editor), Marica Frangakis (Editor), Jeremy Leaman (Editor)
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economy, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence
- Page Range:237-238
- No. of Pages:2
