When the European system of Central Banks (ESCB) starts operating at the beginning of 1999, it will be required to make important decisions on the strategy of monetary policy, instruments and procedures. The European Monetary Institute (EMI) will prepare the groundwork for a coherent set of policies and instruments. However, the efficiency of the European Central Bank (ECB) depends on its policies being correctly understood. This is an overview by leading international economists of the theoretical issues underlying the future monetary policy of the European Central Bank. The three main subjects covered are: the transmission of monetary policy; issues related to objectives of monetary policy, including the problems of unemployment; and instruments available for the future ESCB.
