In a case study of Ireland and Spain, the author establishes a framework that explains how reforms were enabled in the EMU during the eurozone crisis through a mechanism of interdependence between the member state and the European levels. The strong interconnection between both levels proved to be both a cause and a remedy: Each level being dependent on the other´s reliable functioning created an upward spiral of mutually perpetuated reform and thus a process of deepening integration. The author shows that this high degree of interconnectedness was induced by weaknesses on both levels and a simultaneous inability to single-handedly introduce changes, which thus necessitated external intervention by the respective other level.
Clara Isabella Siegle
EMU Europäische Staatsschuldenkrise Europäische Währungsunion EMU reform mechanisms European sovereign debt crisis Eurozone-Krise EWU eurozone crisis external intervention EWU Reformmechanismen interconnectedness externe Intervention interdependence Interdependenz Ireland