An Introduction to the Law of Economic and Monetary Union

This incisive book is an accessible guide to the laws and policies relating to economic and monetary union (EMU). Providing a rich, multidisciplinary analysis, it combines historical, legal and economic perspectives to offer a detailed understanding of how EMU has developed since its inception and how it works in practice today.

Alberto Saravalle begins with an overview of the history of EMU, alongside a theoretical analysis of its regulatory framework and development. He then discusses the events of the European sovereign debt crisis, examining the measures taken by EU institutions such as the European Central Bank, as well as the responses of the Member States and the impact of economic policies they adopted as a result. Finally, he analyses recent proposed reforms to EMU and its possible future evolution, including a discussion of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on Member States’ willingness to participate in further reform and integration.

This book will be a valuable reference for those teaching and studying advanced courses on EU law, as well as courses that cover the economic history of EU integration. It will also be useful to practitioners, government officials and policy-makers wishing to familiarise themselves with the complex functioning of EMU.