The idea of the single currency is to remove barriers, but the project is hindered by a lack of labour mobility. Currently only 4% of the EU population are working outside their home countries.Banking is still highly fractured. Intra-EU migration would be greatly facilitated by making it easier for EU citizens to open foreign bank accounts in other EU countries. Likewise, access to EU-wide social services is hampered by red tape and mobile phone roaming charges are excessive.Sadly, rather than address these human level issues, European leaders are caught up on Strasbourg-level infrastructural issues, like commissionerships and voting rights. The current Lisbon treaty debate is a turn-off for the public and deflects attention from a serious impediment to economic growth.Mark Simons
London, UK
©OECD Observer No 266 March 2008
Economic data
|
|||||||
OECD Observer Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from the OECD by signing up for our e-newsletter :
Twitter feed
Digital Editions
Don't miss
-
The nuts & bolts of innovating:
Jamie Hyneman of Mythbusters -
The global tax rules are changing:
Pascal Saint-Amans, OECD tax chief -
Need a brainteaser?
Try the latest Observer Crossword Puzzle -
Interested in a career in Paris at the OECD?
The OECD is a major international organisation, with a mission to build better policies for better lives. With our hub based in one of the world's global cities and offices across continents. Find out more:- How do you measure a Better Life? The OECD has an interactive tool to evaluate well-being. Be a part of it. Create and share your Better Life Index.
Most Popular Articles
NOTE: All signed articles in the OECD Observer express the opinions of the authors
and do not necessarily represent the official views of OECD member countries.
All rights reserved. OECD 2020
Follow us