On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the European Union (EU), experts present their analyses of historical developments as well as new economic challenges for the EU. After reflecting on historical dynamics, the contributors point to the dramatic economic shifts among and within Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Representatives from major central banks (including the ECB), other leading banks, and academia analyze the dynamics of the Eurozone and the integration of financial markets in the context of globalization and economic growth. Furthermore, the authors discuss the challenges of information and communication technologies. Moreover, the Schumpeterian prospects for Europe and the Lisbon Agenda, the long-term challenges of EU pension reforms, emission trading systems in the EU, and options for a new EU constitution are all explored in detail.

At the bottom line of this EU analysis are major implications for investors, managers, policymakers, and the public at large in both the EU and the rest of the world.