Principles of policymaking in the European Union: an economic perspective

CESifo Economic Studies is an English language relaunch of the formerly German language ifo Studien. Vol.49, No.1, 2003 is the first issue with the new title. CESifo Economic Studies aims to bridge the gap between specialised research in economics and the interest of non-specialists. The journal combines theory and empirical research with a strong emphasis on policy issues. CESifo Economic Studies publishes contributed papers by top level academic economists which are written in a style accessible to all economists regardless of their specialisation. The primary focus of the journal is on policy problems, but it also publishes high quality, non-technical articles which are of general interest to economists.

Article abstract:

How should tasks be divided between the EU and its member states? And what institutional reforms are needed? This paper argues that the single market remains to be better enforced, and this might require further centralisation of tasks. On the other hand, EU meddling with redistribution should be scaled back; this would imply reducing EU intervention in agricultural policy, structural funds and the social charter. EU tasks should instead be expanded outside the first pillar, namely in foreign and defence policies, internal security, immigration. The paper ends by discussing what institutional reforms are needed to accompany this allocation of tasks.