The Road to European Monetary Union - (Political and Economic History) by André Szász (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book explains the political background and describes the decision-making leading to European Monetary Union, as seen by a former central banker who participated in the process during more than two decades. Political rather than economic considerations were decisive in establishing EMU. French-German relations in particular form a thread that runs through the book, notably French efforts to replace German monetary domination by a form of decision-making France can influence. Thus, the issues involved are issues of power, though often presented in technical terms of economics.

Review Quotes

'If there were any doubt that monetary union is only the first step towards political union, Andre Szasz buries it with his fascinating account...A former Executive Director of the Dutch Central Bank intimately involved in European monetary affairs for thirty years, he does not display any of the emotion that characterizes both sides of the debate in Britain, and his book is all the more welcome for that. He tells a story of postwar European politics that is remarkable for its consistency.' - Janet Bush, Times Litetary Supplement

About the Author

ANDRÉ SZASZ has been involved in European economic integration for all of his professional life. He was born in Indonesia in 1932. He studied economics at the University of Amsterdam. In 1960 he joined the Nederlandsche Bank (the Dutch Central Bank) as an economist. From 1973 until July 1994 he was a member of the Executive Board, responsible in particular for international monetary affairs. During this period he was a member of the Monetary Committee of the European Community, as well as the Deputy for the Dutch Central Bank Governor in the Committee of Governors of the EC. Since 1990 Dr. Szász has been an extraordinary Professor for European Studies at the University of Amsterdam. He is a member of two advisory committees to the Dutch Government on European integration, and a non-executive director of two financial institutions.