EMU Challenges European Labor Markets

Author/Editor:

Christiane Krieger-Boden ; Dirk Dohse ; Rüdiger Soltwedel

Publication Date:

September 1, 1999

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper discusses the challenges that European Monetary Union (EMU) poses for European labor markets, emphasizing in particular the regional dimension of the European unemployment problem. The authors argue that the inability of labor markets to adjust to shocks is largely a regional problem within EMU member countries, requiring structural reforms to enhance labor market flexibility but also a decentralization of competencies and greater diversity of labor market outcomes. Any attempt to successfully reform European labor markets and “make them fit for EMU” has to take into account the regional–and even a more decentralized firm–perspective.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1999/131

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

September 1, 1999

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451855265/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1311999

Pages:

50

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