Pacto de estabilidade e crescimento na União Européia: há incentivos ao seu cumprimento?

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present a game theory analysis of the incentives a state member of the European Union may have to disrespect the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP), thus keeping an excessive deficit, in spite of the political and financial risks associated with the non-compliance. Several games are analyzed: complete and incomplete information between a country and the European Union and incomplete information between the Union and two countries. This last case brings about an equilibrium that involves reputation building. The main conclusion is that the European Union must be strong and enforce the pact’s sanctions, even if that imposes a high political cost. Indeed, if the European Union lacks the determination to compel the members to adjust their deficits, one may expect a general non-compliance of the SGP, which will lead to a fiscal collapse of the Economic and Monetary Union.