Optimum currency areas: State of research, the European Monetary Union

Abstract

The present paper deals with optimum currency areas (OCA). Its main goal is to give a synthesis of the central research areas in this field and provide a link to the real-life example of the European Monetary Union (EMU). Overall, the paper will possibly uncover potential areas for further research, and thus may be able to serve other researchers. The article illustrates the original OCA theory by Robert Mundell and further important research built upon it. The OCA criteria resulting from the foregoing research are then placed aside the actual Maastricht criteria set up by the European Union, necessary to fulfil for joining the eurozone. The question of whether these criteria are even necessary is examined alongside the topic of endogeneity, which is a relatively new field of research in the OCA field. Lastly, the pros and cons of joining a single currency area are analyzed, before the author provides suggestions for potential future research.