The Economics and Policies of Integration ― a Finnish Perspective: 22 (Series a / Etla - The Research Institute of the Finnish Econ) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792342658 ISBN 13: 9780792342656

Publisher: Springer, 1996

Synopsis

European integration has come a long way since the fIrst steps in the aftermath of the Second World War. At that time, the neutral European countries chose to stay outside the European Economic Community. Those countries that wanted less ambitious cooperation formed the European Free Trade Association. Increasing trade dependence between the two groupings was institutionalised when they signed free-trade agreements with each other, creating thus a wider European free-trade area in manufactures. The strong push towards deepening integration among EC countries, manifested in the Single European Act in 1985, and the dismantling of non-tariff barriers to trade and factor flows in the EC by 1993, made it necessary for EFTA countries to secure access on equal conditions to their most important export market and thus prevent trade diversion. The ensuing agreement on the European Economic Area responded to these demands, but did not resolve the apparent asymmetry in EEA decision-making. This emanated from the supremacy ofEC legislation over EEA rules, thus making EFTA countries passively adjust to EC norms. Consequently, Finland applied for membership in the EC in March 1992, with effect from 1995. The latest phase in the integration process, the Treaty on European Union, has an aim to further deepening, e. g. the formation of the economic and monetary union by 1999.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

This book reviews the expansion of the EU to EFTA. It adopts the perspective of a small open economy as it further integrates into the international division of labour and opens up to the free mobility of production factors, goods and services. It considers participation in the EC's internal market programme and the threats and possibilities this poses to small, open, Nordic countries. The consequences of EMU is also reviewed as well as decision-making in the EU. This volume treats a wide range of theoretical, empirical and policy-related issues of European integration and EU and EMU membership. The book is intended for a wide range of readers, including academics, policy-makers and students of European integration.

Synopsis:

This volume reviews the expansion of the EU to EFTA, adopting the perspective of a small, open economy as it integrates further into the international division of labour and opens up to the free mobility of production factors, goods and services. It considers participation in the EC's internal market programme and the threats and opportunities that this poses to the small, open, Nordic countries. EMU is also reviewed, together with decision making in the EU, covering a wide range of theoretical, empirical and policy related issues.

About this edition

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0792342658
• ISBN 13: 9780792342656
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 226
• Editor: Alho Kari, Erkkilä Mika, Kotilainen Markku