Case studies in european economic union : the mechanics of integration

This volume contains studies of the three European economic unions which already have a considerable historical experience to draw upon: the Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union, Benelux, and the Euro pean Coal and Steel Community. The book is not primarily concerned with the success or failure of these unions in in creasing economic efficiency and raising standards of living. The purpose of the studies is rather to examine the mechanics of the construction of economic unions. Can commercial unions be built without a unification of national tax policies or with out a unification of monetary policies? Can a partial union covering only some commodities (e.g. coal and steel) work effectively if it does not cover other closely related activities (e.g. transport)? Can an economic union work effectively if wage rates are fixed on different principles in the member countries? In an introduc tion to the studies Professor Meade com ments on eleven main issues of this kind which are suggested by the actual experi ence of the three unions under study. Problems such as these are likely to be of great importance to the United Kingdom if she becomes a member of the European Economic Community.