The Constitutional Boundaries of European Fiscal Federalism

This book explores the relationship between European constitutionalism and fiscal federalism, investigating the existence of permanent constitutional boundaries and evaluating the compatibility of fiscal federalism models with the European legal order.

Format: Hardback
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate relationship between European constitutionalism and fiscal federalism, a subfield of public economics that focuses on structuring public finances between different levels of government in federal states. Spanning two axes, it explores the realm of European Union (EU) and Member State constitutional law, seeking to identify permanent constitutional boundaries that shape the selection of proposed models for EU fiscal federalism. At the same time, it engages in a thorough examination of fiscal federalism to determine which institutional configurations remain legally and economically feasible within these boundaries. The book offers a far-reaching investigation into the compatibility of various models of fiscal federalism with the constitutional framework of the European legal order, providing valuable insights into the complex dynamics between these two fields.

The first axis of the book focuses on the study of European Union and Member State constitutional law. It examines the constitutional frameworks of all EU Member States to identify the existence of permanent constitutional boundaries that will impact the selection of models for EU fiscal federalism. By analyzing the legal frameworks and principles governing the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the EU and its Member States, the book seeks to understand the factors that determine the shape and structure of EU fiscal federalism.

The second axis of the book delves into the study of fiscal federalism itself. It explores the various institutional configurations that have been proposed and implemented in federal states to manage public finances. The book examines the legal and economic implications of these configurations, assessing their compatibility with the constitutional boundaries of the European legal order. It seeks to identify the principles and criteria that govern the implementation of fiscal federalism in a manner that respects the sovereignty and autonomy of Member States while promoting economic efficiency and stability.

Throughout the book, the authors employ a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from constitutional law, public economics, and political science. They analyze case studies, scholarly literature, and empirical data to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. The book is intended for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in the study of European constitutionalism, fiscal federalism, and the broader dynamics of intergovernmental relations in the EU. It offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities posed by fiscal federalism in the context of the EU, and provides a roadmap for future research and policy development in this field.

ISBN-13: 9781108830096