MEPs calls on the Commission to report on the various options for pooling debt
The European Parliament adopted a resolution that points out that the Eurozone is unique in having a single currency, but no common bond market. The resolution keeps up pressure on the Commission and member states to explore all avenues for pooling sovereign debt.
MEPs adopted in plenary session a resolution which calls on the Commission to report on the various options for pooling debt, possibly accompanying this report with a roadmap for introducing them. The resolution sets out various options. Some could be implemented immediately or in the medium term such as a European Redemption Fund, whereas common issuance of national debt or the creation of European debt would require a Treaty change. Almost one year ago, in February 2012, another Parliament's resolution called for immediate measures to address the Eurozone's short-term constraints.
Moreover, the text affirms that fears of free-riding can be overcome by carefully-crafted solutions, so debt pooling need not be automatically taboo. It also points out that the Eurozone is unique in having a single currency, but no common bond market.
The resolution stressed that the Euro zone is in the unique situation of having a shared currency but no common bond market or common budgetary policy. The Euro bloc's stability therefore depends on its completion, which is bound to have a positive effect on financial markets.