Title: The Lisbon strategy, macroeconomic stability and the dilemma of governance with governments; or why Europe is not becoming the world's most dynamic economy

Authors: Stefan Collignon

Addresses: London School of Economics, European Institute, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK

Abstract: Due to collective action problems, the Eurozone is stuck in a sub-optimal macropolicy mix of too expansionary fiscal policy and too restrictive monetary policy. Although the Lisbon strategy pays lip service to macroeconomic policy coordination, no mechanisms, institutions or effective rules are established in order to overcome the collective action problem. Empirically, the failure is demonstrated by comparing the Eurozone policy mix with the US policy mix and attributing it to the low investment performance which resulted in low average GDP growth and low average productivity growth – contrary to the aims of the Lisbon strategy to make the EU the world|s most dynamic economy. The paper also argues that in order to overcome these difficulties, a proper government for the EU is needed. More delegation to the European level is legitimate only if European citizens can exert their democratic rights.

Keywords: European integration; Stability and Growth Pact; macroeconomic policy; Lisbon strategy; European Union; EU governance; European economy; Eurozone; expansionary fiscal policy; restrictive monetary policy; collective action; policy mix.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPP.2008.017127

International Journal of Public Policy, 2008 Vol.3 No.1/2, pp.72 - 99

Published online: 15 Feb 2008 *

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