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Constricted, lame and pro-cyclical? Fiscal policy in the euro area revisited - Servaas Deroose, Martin Larch and Andrea Schaechter
Author(s): Servaas Deroose, Martin Larch and Andrea Schaechter
Constricted, lame and pro-cyclical? Fiscal policy in the euro area revisited - Servaas Deroose, Martin Larch and Andrea Schaechter 
(625 kB) 
Summary for non-specialists (100 kB) 
It is often argued that fiscal stabilisation in the euro area compares unfavourably with the US, not least because of the perceived limitations of the Stability and Growth Pact.
This paper qualifies this perception by taking a closer look at fiscal policy making since the mid-1990s. It examines a number of elements which are generally overlooked or not considered in the analysis of fiscal stabilisation. In particular, on top of discretionary fiscal policy, which generally is at the core of existing studies, it also takes into account the size of automatic stabilisers. Moreover, it considers the difference between policy intentions, as formulated or perceived in real time, and actual outturns, and possible reasons for the gap between the two.
On the basis of such a more comprehensive analysis, fiscal stabilisation in the euro area appears less dire than commonly assumed. It also suggests a number of points on how to improve the track record, including by strengthening fiscal governance.
JEL classification: E61, H3, H6
doi:10.2765/82691
(European Economy. Economic Papers 353. December 2008.
Luxembourg. 34pp. Tab. Graph. Bibliogr. Free.)
| KC-AI-08-353-EN-EN (online) | |
| ISBN 978-92-79-10762-7 (online) | |
| ISSN 1735-3187 (online)
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