Structural Challenges for Europe

Edited by Gertrude Tumpel-Gugerell, Austrian Institute of Economic Research and Peter Mooslechner, formerly Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Austria

• Contents: Introduction: Structural Reform and Competitiveness – the Position and Future of an Integrated Europe Foreword by Klaus Liebscher Part I: Structural Reforms and Competitiveness: Where Does Europe Stand Today? Part II: Financial Sector Development Part III: Financing of Enlargement and Catching Up Part IV: Social Security Reform Part V: Taxes and Benefits/Fiscal Structures Part VI: Enterprise Sector Reform/Network Industries Part VII: The Adequate Policy Mix Part VIII: Looking into the Future – Europe’s Position in the World Economy in 2020 Index

'This is a very timely and valuable set of studies by a distinguished group of scholars and practitioners on the subject of economic convergence and divergence in Europe. Not surprisingly given the high calibre of the contributors, the quality of the individual chapters is very high, making this an impressive volume which I recommend without reservation. The book combines both sophisticated theoretical appraisals of the central questions relating to convergence and divergence in Europe, together with incisive analyses of the policy implications for individual countries and for the wider Europe. It is of great topical relevance, because it addresses these issues in the context of impending EU enlargement and also in relation to economic and monetary union (a substantial number of contributors hold very senior positions in European national banks and two in the European Central Bank). The writing style is clear and accessible and therefore the book should appeal to both specialists and non-specialists. Indeed, it deserves to command a wide audience (including students, academics, policy analysts and practitioners). The contributors must be congratulated on producing an incisive, wide ranging and accessible analysis of the key issues relating to economic convergence and divergence in Europe.'