Opinion: The Commission’s Views on Strengthening the Euro Area - Barking Up the Wrong Tree?

Juncker’s proposals on the euro area are lacking in substance and coherence. His starting point was that the euro should be considered the currency of the Union, not just the currency of some Member States. From a formal point of view this is correct, as the euro is indeed designated in the European Treaties as the currency of the Union. The countries that are not part of the euro area are considered to have a temporary derogation. Network member David Gros, Director of CEPS, says that the reality is,  however, different and explains why small, concrete steps aimed at strengthening financial stability would have been more useful.