Criteria for Monetary Integration – Optimum Currency Area versus Maastricht Criteria Cover Image

Kritériá menovej integrácie – optimálna menová oblasť verzus maastrichtské kritériá
Criteria for Monetary Integration – Optimum Currency Area versus Maastricht Criteria

Author(s): Ivana Šikulová, Vanda Vašková
Subject(s): Economy
Published by: Ekonomický ústav SAV a Prognostický ústav SAV
Keywords: Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); theory of Optimum Currency Area (OCA); OCA criteria; Maastricht criteria; convergence

Summary/Abstract: The process of monetary integration in general is followed by a set of rules. The well known Optimum Currency Area (OCA) criteria are basically structural while official, so called Maastricht criteria for joining Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) are nominal. Many economists agree that nominal convergence itself is not sufficient for monetary union to function successfully and that also a certain level of structural convergence between the member states has to be achieved. In addition, in time of approaching eurozone enlargement the adequacy of Maastricht criteria is questionable. Whereas their modification seems to be politically unfeasible their flexible interpretation taking into account individual needs of the new member states would be desirable.

  • Issue Year: 54/2006
  • Issue No: 03
  • Page Range: 207-222
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Slovak