The example of Lithuania shows, that using hitherto existing interpretation of inflation criterion in the EU of 27 members has distinct implications for the expansion of the euro area. In the comming years, structural factors, related to the process of catching- up with highly developed European economies, will have significant influence on the inflation rate in the new EU member states from Central Eastern Europe. Since the inception of the euro area, the reference value of the inflation criterion is determined both by the single ECB monetary policy as well as by independent monetary policies of the EU member states outside the euro area. In the enlarged EU this results in a growing divergence between the reference value of the inflation criterion and the euro area inflation rate. The article indicates proposals of changes which would better allow for taking into consideration the dynamics of monetary integration within the EU, yet would not require changes of the Treaty provisions.

Keywords: inflation criterion, euro area enlargement, Central East European countries.

  Katarzyna Baran, Inflation Criterion in the Enlarged European Union - Summary of the Discussion on Lithuania - plik pdf; (190 KB)