Beschreibung:
This book tries to answer three sets of questions: What is the role of centralized fiscal policies in federations, and hence the size, features and functions of the central budget? What institutional arrangements are used to coordinate fiscal policy between the federal and subnational levels? What are the links between federal and subnational debt, and how have subnational financing crises been handled, when they occurred? These policy questions are critical in many federations, and central to the current discussions about future paths for the European Union.
Introduction and Overview Chapter 1. Distribution of Fiscal Responsibilities in Federations Chapter 2. The Role of Fiscal Transfers in Smoothing Regional Shock Chapter 3. Constraints on Sub-national Fiscal Policy Chapter 4. Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting Chapter 5. Financing of Central and Sub-national Governments Chapter 6. Sub-national Fiscal Crises Chapter 7. Lesson from the Crisis: Minimal Elements for a Fiscal Union in the Euro Area