Euro area sovereign debt crisis and debt mutualisation

Abstract

We study debt mutualisation in the Euro area. Bearing in mind other existing proposals we provide an alternative Blue, Yellow and Red Bonds proposal: blue, would cover debt up to 60% of GDP, yellow would include debt from 60% up to 90% of GDP, and red would cover debt above 90% of GDP. Although not with joint liability, the rationale behind the Yellow Bonds with a joint issuance is the attraction of liquidity, which would be beneficial, especially for the countries with high yields. This could give more room to public authorities.