Monetary policy towards E(M)U accession: A central banker's view

This paper gives a brief overview of the main economic issues related to the forthcoming integration of the new EU member countries into the euro area. Subsequently, it will discuss in more detail three broad issues concerning the monetary side of EU enlargement. First addressed is the timing of euro area enlargement and monetary policy regimes in the run up to the EMU. The next focus is on the ERM II as an interim step towards the euro area. Third, the author expresses his views on the future of the ECB and the euro area, which the Czech Republic will have an opportunity to co-determine after its entry. The paper is based on the author's Distinguished Address, as well as the symposium's panel discussion on the topic at the International Atlantic Economic Conference in Vienna, 14 March 2003.