APPENDIX 3: CALL FOR EVIDENCE ISSUED
ON 7 FEBRUARY 2007
Since its introduction in 1999, the euro zone has
continued to mature. With its membership likely to expand before
the end of the decade, the Sub-Committee, under the Chairmanship
of Baroness Cohen of Pimlico, has decided to conduct an inquiry
into the progress of the euro. This inquiry will focus on five
particular subjects, examining the impact and development of the
Euro as a currency.
The inquiry will seek to answer the following key
questions:
- What contribution has the introduction
of the euro made to levels of trade within the Euro zone, and
between the Euro zone and the rest of the world?
- What effect has the introduction of the euro
had on the functioning of European capital markets?
- Are there any lessons to be drawn from the changes
in euro exchange rates since 1998?
- Was the recent reform of the Stability and Growth
Pact appropriate?
- What effect has the introduction of the Euro
had on individual member countries' economic development?
- Has the ECB's monetary policy been too restrictive?
- What impact will the expected enlargement of
the Euro zone have on
The functioning of the Euro zone economy?
The management of monetary policy in the Euro zone?
The Sub-Committee would welcome written comments
on these issues.
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