With Europe on the brink of a great economic experiment, this is the first book to look at the European Union and single currency from the perspective of each of the member states. It offers a systematic critique of the project from the viewpoint of labour and employment. The interdisciplinary team from across the EU brings together the perspectives of economists, political economists, historians, lawyers, politicians and trade unionists. This authoritative critique of the Euro project and its impact on economic well-being and democratic stability is likely to become the standard alternative reference on European integration.

'This is the best book yet on the Euro...By looking at the situation country by country it gives a clear and sharp assessment of the economic realities which Euro-enthusiasts try so hard to conceal.' - Austin Mitchell, MP

'Those who want to catch up with the way that ideas and opinions on the future of the EU are developing...ought to read this book.' - John Mills, Camden New Journal

List of Tables
Preface and Acknowledgements
List of Contributors
Introduction
The Single European Currency in National Perspective: A Community in Crisis?; B. H. Moss
PART I: NATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
Economic Consequences of EMU for Britain; J. Michie
France: Economic and Monetary Union and the Social Divide; B. H. Moss
Hoist With Its Own Petard: Consequences of the Single Currency for Germany; J. Huffschmid
Italy Towards European Monetary Union (and Domestic Disunion); A. Simonazzi and F.Vianello
State Intervention and the Question of European Integration in Spain; M. M. Lucio
PART II: EUROPE IN CRISIS?
Is the European Community Politically Neutral? The Free Market Agenda; B. H. Moss
The Economic Limits of European Integration; J. Corcoran
EMU and the Democratic Deficit; B. Morris
Why 'Employability' Won't Make EMU Work; A. Robinson
Index

BERNARD H. MOSS is Professor of History associated with the Institute of European Studies in London who has written widely on modern and contemporary France. With an LLM from the London School of Economics, he has expanded his interests to the European Union.

JONATHAN MICHIE is Sainsbury Professor of Management, Birkbeck College, University of London. He was previously at the Judge Institute of Management Studies, University of Cambridge, and before that worked in Brussels as an Expert to the European Commission. He has authored or edited more than 15 books, mostly on economic policy issues.