In a statement issued last week, the National Bank said Hungary should not join the Euro-zone until its per capita GDP reaches 90 per cent of the European average and before it pushes down public debt below 50 per cent of GDP. A further three criteria deemed necessary before the Euro is introduced concern financial competitiveness.

In his analysis of those five preconditions on Portfolio, István Madár welcomes the MNB statement as a long overdue opportunity for a public debate over how and when Hungary should join the Euro-zone. Nevertheless, he fears that those conditions are not to be met in the foreseeable future. In addition, he sees the introduction of the Euro as a means rather than as an outcome of convergence.

If the Euro were a hindrance in countries with per capita GDP values below 90 per cent of the average, he explains, 10 out of the 19 Euro-zone member countries should never have joined. Moreover, Madár adds, their membership hasn’t prevented any of them from propping up their performance.

Source: BudaPost

This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of this portal. Your opinion articles are welcome too, for review before possible publication, via info@xpatloop.com