PRIORITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF FISCAL STABILITY PROGRAMMES IN FRANCE AND GERMANY

Abstract

Restoring public finance sustainability in the European Union after the recent financial crisis requires the application of diversified fiscal policy measures. These measures are indicated in fiscal stability programmes designed by the European Union Member States. This article discusses such programmes implemented in France and Germany. The author presents scale, sources and implications of public sector debt in these countries, analyses structure of revenues and expenditures and examines objectives, reform agendas, selected means and expected outcomes defined in these programmes.