Overview

Full Product Details

9781785271748

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is a remarkable book. It is also an important book because it is about a structural fl aw that poses a fatal risk to the monetary union. This flaw is the disregard of the cultural diff erences that exist within the borders of the European Union. What is remarkable about it is that in addition to offi cial statistics Ewoud van Laer has used detective stories to support his theory. Readers will encounter Inspector Maigret, for example. A well- documented and well- written book. -Frits Bolkestein, European Commissioner, 1999-2004 While I do not agree with all of Ewoud van Laer's conclusions I found his analysis of the deep cultural and historical roots that separate northern and southern Europe fascinating. His book is essential reading for anyone trying to understand the present deep tensions within the EU. -Nick Clegg, deputy prime minister of the United Kingdom, 2010-2016 You need to read this book to understand that Brexit did not come out of nowhere and that we are at a crossroads with regard to the future of our union. Restoring mutual trust by gaining a better understanding of one another's backgrounds would appear to be the solution. Ewoud van Laer provides guidance for this in his book - a 'must read' for anyone who feels involved with the European Union. -Hans Bartelds, chairman of Fortis, 1990-2002 I found it very interesting that cultural diff erences - a topic that many people know about at a general level - have now been set out on paper and examined in depth, illustrated by very relatable and original examples. -Ina Giscard d'Estaing, charg e e de mission of the Louvre Museum I have always had my doubts about the monetary union, largely based on my own personal experiences at a great many international meetings. In this book Ewoud van Laer clearly demonstrates the issues we found ourselves wrestling with and how deeply value systems are ingrained in us. -Andre Szasz, executive director of the Dutch Central Bank with responsibility for international monetary relations, 1973- 94 In this extremely clearly argued book, Ewoud van Laer demonstrates that we are trapped in a cultural and monetary dilemma. The tenability of the monetary union calls for further integration whilst the priority for people at the moment is maintaining their own way of life. There are no economic models that are able to cope with this dilemma. -Professor Casper de Vries, Witteveen chair of Monetary Economics at Erasmus University It is primarily the combination of hard facts and the examples drawn from literature and real life that make this an important and original book. It transpires that cultural differences are highly significant to the European integration process. -Edgar du Perron, justice of the Dutch Supreme Court and professor of Private Law at the University of Amsterdam

Author Information

Ewoud van Laer worked as a banker for different European banks. The cultural differences he experienced became the starting point for his book on the deep gap between North and South in the European Union.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available