THE FISCAL SOVEREIGNTY AND THE TAX POLICIES OF THE NEW EU MEMBER STATES: THE EMU CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF FISCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM

Abstract

The paper is focused on issues of fiscal policy coordination in the Euro area and the challenges to the new EU Member States from Central and Eastern Europe in implementation of different national fiscal policy options while preparing for the entry in the EMU. The main research question concerns the evaluation of the impact of the fiscal sovereignty in the new EU Member States in implementing their national tax systems in preparation to join the Euro area. The paper discusses the ways in which the new EU Member States adjust their national tax systems by making better use of introducing the appropriate tax structure and fiscal systems in order to reflect the specific conditions and priorities of the national economic policy and to achieve the required in the EMU sustainability of public finances in medium and long term aspect. The evaluation of options of tax reforms in the new EU Member States is done with regard to the problems of rising fiscal deficits as a result of higher Government expenditures and the reduction of revenues during the Global economic and financial crisis. Conclusions are drawn for the main trends in the EU governance reform and the fiscal sustainability of the EMU Member States.