This article looks at the early experience of the Euro and argues that both the
original rules established for the European Central Bank and the Stability and
Growth pact need to be reconsidered. Failure to do so will result in the whole
European economy delivering less growth and prosperity. Without a selfcorrecting
mechanism like transfer payments, a single monetary policy is procyclical
and destabilizing. Countries growing fast and in danger of over-heating
face low or negative real interest rates. Countries in recession face too high real
interest rates and are pushed further into sub-potential growth. The Stability and
Growth pact further restricts policy options.