Britain the Euro and Beyond

This important book provides an analysis of the economic relationship between Britain and the EU and discusses the future direction in which this relationship might develop. It examines the historic and contemporary costs and benefits of EU membership, and assesses whether this has been a burden or a benefit for the British economy. In addition the authors assess current trends and developments, most notably in the area of participation in Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the consequences that this would have. Questions of fiscal federalism, the development of a minimum level of social policy for Europe, together with the likely impact on business and trade unions are also considered. The authors then discuss potential future scenarios, including a more flexible loose membership arrangement or complete withdrawal, and the affect that a range of options might have on the British economy. Preface; European Integration Timeline; Chapter 1 Introduction; Part 1 Britain as an Awkward Part ner; Chapter 2 Britain and the EU: A Difficult Relationship; Chapter 3 Historical Cost-Benefit Analysis of EU Membership; Chapter 4 Current EU Trends and Developments; Part 2 EMU: Theoretical Considerations; Chapter 5 An Overview of European Monetary Integration; Chapter 6 EMU Convergence; Chapter 7 The ECB and Central Bank Independence; Chapter 8 Economic Policy within EMU; Part 3 EMU: Practical Considerations; Chapter 9 Fiscal Policy Consequences of EMU; Chapter 10 The European Social Model and EMU; Chapter 11 EMU and Trade Unions; Chapter 12 The Impact of EMU upon Business; Part 4 Alternative Futures for Britain; Chapter 13 Alternative Relationships Between Britain and the EU; Chapter 14 An Independent Britain; Chapter 15 Alternative Economic Policies; Chapter 16 Conclusion;