In this Blueprint, Lionel Fontagné, Thierry Mayer and Gianmarco Ottaviano, show that trade flows have not increased meaningfully since the introduction of the euro. However, trade volume can be a misleading yardstick. Other obstacles be it differences in regulation, legal framework, taxes or language are significant enough to continue to act as binding constraints on internationalisation. In terms of prices, the authors find that the euro has resulted in less volatile and lower prices, especially within the euro area, and this is a clear plus for consumers.

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Debra 2nd July 2011
That's a mold-brakeer. Great thinking!
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