An agenda for a growing Europe. The Sapir report

Abstract:

This book was originally published in 2003 as a report prepared by an Independent High-Level Study Group established by Romano Prodi, then President of the European Commission, and chaired by Professor André Sapir. The premise for the work is that for much of the last three decades the European Union has shown a capacity for growing institutions greater than its capacity for growing economically. The book offers an agenda for change which has firm objectives to deliver sustainable economic growth with improved and increased employment opportunities, continuing price stability, and greater economic and social cohesion in the enlarged EU.

The work is organised in three parts. Part one provides an assessment of economic performance in terms of growth, stability and cohesion. Part two considers the challenges facing the EU in the years ahead, featuring chapters on sustainability, enlargement and the EU’s relations with a wider Europe and the wider world. Part three draws on the earlier parts to formulate a series of recommendations, and contains chapters regarding the principles upon which to base new policy designs, promoting growth, recommendations for improving effectiveness in decision-making and regulation, and radical reformation of the budget for actions within the EU.

The work will interest scholars, students, researchers and policymakers, engaged in the fields of European economics and macroeconomics.