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Central Europe's success in the transition from a command to a market economy has relied on the region's flexible economic structure and high levels of technology-intensive FDI. South-Eastern Europe has lagged behind as a result of dragging its feet over implementing transition reforms and because -- partly as a consequence of the former -- few foreign investors have arrived. Political factors have been the main impediment, manifested in corruption, state capture, rigidity, or war. However, the region could overcome these political obstacles by implementing a series of policies with low political costs. This paper recommends such a portfolio of policies: creating an investor-friendly tax environment and exchange rate regime; strategically targeting particular foreign investors; implementing targeted reforms, such as introducing efficiency-improving measures in the public services; investing in human capital; and integrating with Europe, not only at the diplomatic level but also by reducing trade barriers and creating a matching infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the European monetary union as of April 1999, three months after its initiation. Comparison of economic conditions in Germany and Ireland including inflation, taxation, unemployment and interest rates; Factors in the Irish economic boom; Accommodation to and impact of the euro; Forecast.

Discusses foreign relations between Great Britain and Germany in light of the June 1999 publication of a joint Anglo-German paper called `Europe, the third way, die neue Mitte,' emphasizing New Labour positions on Anglo-Saxon economics. Political, economic and institutional differences between Britain and Germany; Identification of the group that prepared the paper; Possible gains for British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Argues against the prevailing view that strong government and efficient private business are adversaries in the U.S. View of the author that big government and excess regulation damage entrepreneurship; Reference to the examples of the health care, banking and worker training sector wherein it has been proved that government is harming American free enterprises; View of writer Daniel K. Tarullo in a paper published in the Spring, 1991, issue of the periodical "The American Prospect" that stronger government is better able to broker consensual solutions to difficult social problems; Comparison of the governmental system of the U.S. with that of Europe and Japan.

This article reports that due to a building binge throughout Asia, continuing economic expansion in the U.S., and recovering economies in Europe, production everywhere is running ahead of consumption. That's even true in the U.S., where consumer demand remains strong. For the first time in years, there is worldwide overcapacity in industries, from semiconductors to autos. And the excess supply will get even worse as Asia tries to export its way out of trouble. It is opined that the global economy may well be heading towards an era of deflation. Prices for goods are falling or stagnant around the world. In the U.S., industries with stable or falling wholesale prices account for two-thirds of manufacturing production.

The article offers information on the collaborated efforts of business and government for economic growth in Europe. It states that European businessmen have planned to adopt new-model economic planning, which will focus on regulating private investment and coordination of government policies related to finance. It mentions that Great Britain is getting inspired by the Four-Year Plan adopted by France, which serves 25 industries of France.

The article analyzes the economic conditions prevailing in Europe. As reported, business will be good in most of the European countries in the year 1967, even though in 1967 the economies of the 11 European countries which are part of the Common Market and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will grow at the average rate of 3.2%, lower than the 3.6% in 1966. It is stated that, economic growth in Europe will depend on how much monetary restrictions the countries are ready to give up.

The article discusses a paper drawn up by a team led by Wim Kok, a former Dutch prime minister. Kok's brief was to produce a progress report on the so-called Lisbon agenda: the ambition to turn the European Union (EU) into "the world's most competitive, knowledge-based economy by 2010", set at an EU summit in Lisbon in 2000. Kok's view of how things are going at the halfway stage is not encouraging. Unemployment remains high, growth is slow, researchers are moving to America, manufacturers to China. There is also the uncertain outlook for Europe's growing number of pensioners. The structural reforms that are seen as crucial to the revitalisation of the European economy are, above all, the responsibility of national governments. Besides the technical complexity of harmonising social-security reforms across the European continent, experience suggests that the EU is ill-suited to imposing reforms. If real reform is to happen in Europe, it will be hard necessity and the power of example that create the pressure for change. Fortunately, both are being provided by the ten countries that joined the EU in May, particularly the eight from central Europe.

Discusses how economic measures in Germany and France may add up to brighter growth prospects for 2005. Optimism of consumers and business; Overview of some of the incremental reforms; Role of the German and French governments in adopting the measures; How companies are beginning to see benefits from several years of restructuring; Outlook for economic growth in Europe.

The author discusses aspects of France's refusal to accept Great Britain's trade politics towards the Commonwealth countries with special attention to economic developments in Denmark as of November 15, 1959. The possibility for an economically united Europe is also investigated. Denmark's economic policy is reviewed as well so as the possibilities for establishing economic ties with the Unites States.

The article reports on how Nazis are preparing for economic offensive in Europe. It refers to several developments during the last few weeks that measure the scope of Nazi consolidation moves. It is reported that one of the developments was a pact forced on Sweden by the German Ministry of Economics. Under the pact, Sweden has signed trade agreements with Holland and with Belgium.

The article reports on the increasing interest rates in Europe. The European interest rates is influenced by its positive outlook in inflation as well as economic recovery. The economic development in Europe depends on how high U.S. interest rates can go. According to economist Stephen J. Lewis, Europeans will resist the rise in U.S. rates and the central banks will try to preserve the recovery and tighten the monetary policy.

The article looks at the possibility that Germany will devalue the mark in 1936. Germany is said to be unlikely to devalue the mark unless its creditors will reduce its foreign obligations and interest charges. It is emphasized that the gold reserve of Germany to back its currency is only worth 28,000,000 U.S. dollars. The role being played by European countries particularly Great Britain and the Soviet Union in the strategy of Germany is explained.

The article discusses a study that set out to discover why the United States does not have a large welfare state. The study, which was conducted by economist Alberto Alesina, Edward Glaeser, and Bruce Sacerdote, uncovered a striking difference between Americans and Europeans. The authors also found that large welfare states emerge in countries where citizens generally believe luck determines income.