In this new post on politicalscience.ie, Sam Brazys critiques the austerity versus growth framing of economic choices for Europe. He focuses on Ireland but other Eurozone members (think Spain) also face a massive problem of household indebtedness due to mortgage arrears whose implications Eurozone governments are just beginning to face. Not only is there noContinue reading “Austerity or growth? It’s worse than that”
Category Archives: Commentary
Institute for International Integration, Trinity College
IIS PUBLIC SYMPOSIUM this evening: Title: “Whither Ireland and the Fiscal Treaty?” Dr. Gavin Barrett, School of Law, UCD & Prof. Terrence McDonough, J.E.Cairnes School of Business & Economics, NUIG & Trinity’s Head of School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Prof. James Wickham Venue: Thomas Davis Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin Access to theContinue reading “Institute for International Integration, Trinity College”
The Greek ‘Bailout’
As Greek politicians in the midst of post-election turmoil are told that they must implement the ‘bailout’ programme agreed with the EU and IMF it may be timely to reflect on that programme. Added topicality arises from the fact that Charles Dallara is speaking at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in DublinContinue reading “The Greek ‘Bailout’”
I Give Up: A Very Reluctant and Bitter ‘Yes’
To my mind, there is only one reason to vote for the “Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union” and that is cold, hard cash. What the treaty does is of dubious economic value while how it does it appears to be redundant. At best, one might make an argumentContinue reading “I Give Up: A Very Reluctant and Bitter ‘Yes’”
Roubini on the coming Spanish bailout
Nouriel Roubini advises that we “get ready for the Spanish bailout.” And given recent experiences, there’s little reason to expect that it will done well — that is, as part of a realistic strategy for avoiding a self-defeating deflationary spiral. Hold on to your seats: Europe’s rocky ride is far from over.
What’s new (and not new) in the Fiscal Treaty?
Gavin Barrett’s guest post today on irisheconomy.ie adds helpful detail on what’s new and not new in the Fiscal Treaty’s debt and deficit rules.
The implications of Hollande’s victory
In this opinion piece for EUObserver.com, I argue that Francois Hollande’s victory in France could be an important turning point in Europe’s struggle for economic recovery, but only if he broadens his agenda beyond the rhetoric of his campaign.
Some Questions About the Fiscal Treaty
The IIEA asked me a few questions about the Fiscal Treaty and videoed my anwers. Readers might find the answers of some value: They can be found here The IIEA’s general page on the Fiscal Treaty has some other useful material in it. You’ll find that here.
A growth pact?
The recent post by M.L.Paris discusses the possibility of a ‘growth pact’ arising from the election of Francois Hollande in France. But part of the problem in analysing this issue is the ambiguity about what ‘growth’ means (and how best to promote it). Consider the following statement from the Swedish Minister for Finance, speaking toContinue reading “A growth pact?”
Gavin Barrett on fiscal treaty and the risks of a ‘No’ vote
In his Irish Times opinion piece today, Dr. Gavin Barrett, senior lecturer in European law at UCD School of Law, assesses the fiscal treaty and the implications of a ‘No’ vote in the 31 May referendum.
The Brussels Insider 