Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/24576 
Year of Publication: 
1999
Series/Report no.: 
ZEW Discussion Papers No. 99-23
Publisher: 
Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung (ZEW), Mannheim
Abstract: 
In the context of EMU fiscal equalization schemes have been proposed as a means to stabilize regions against asymmetric shocks. A theoretical analysis shows that besides reducing the cross-sectional income variance the redistributive element of fiscal equalization causes incentive effects for regional governments, undermining the efficient supply of public goods. Yet, this objection is shown to be less important in a situation of insufficient demand, where interregional redistribution actually favors stabilization. In an empirical analysis for Germany, the paper adds support for the finding of significant regional stabilization by fiscal flows. The results indicate that about 17 % of GDP variation across West Germany's states has been removed by fiscal flows during the last two decades. Thus, in Germany where the fiscal federalism is criticised for its heavy equalization the extent of regional stabilization provided by fiscal flows is quite similar to other federal countries.
JEL: 
F15
H77
R11
E62
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
628.78 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.