Both sides of the coin. The arguments for and against the euro, 2nd ed.

Book abstract:

This book, which is split into two halves, provides an argument for and against adopting the Euro and European Monetary Union provided by two of Britain's leading economists. The book aims to cover the economic and political issues and highlight the important points in the debate. The two contributors stress that they are agreed on the data used in both arguments, however it is in their interpretations that their opinions differ.

Both halves of the book look at the general advantages or disadvantages of European Monetary Union before focusing more specifically on Great Britain. Both authors also include a section on the political consequences of European Monetary Union. Each half of the book has a section on the opposing viewpoint, providing the authors' own counter arguments. Arguments against the Euro include deflationary pressure, high risk of failure, and small upside and its anti democratic management. Arguments for include cheaper capital, lower prices and more investment. The book is supplemented by tables and graphs to illustrate the arguments.

The book would be suited to students or anyone interested in a basic introduction to the issues. Chris Huhne is an MEP and sits on European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee that holds the European Central Bank to account. James Forder is a Fellow of Balliol College, Oxford, teaching Economics.

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