This paper discusses the exchange rate policies in the three stages of the euro adoption process. In the first stage, i.e. after EU accession but before ERM II en-try, the exchange rate becomes a matter of “common concern” according to the Treaty. The paper argues that in the modern conditions, this has no real meaning besides mutual consultations on the macroeconomic policy issues. In the second stage, the common concern becomes institutionalized under the ERM II mecha-nism. It main advantages and risks are discussed, and the arguments for minimiz-ing the length of this stage are presented. In the third step, the exchange rate sta-bility criterion is assessed before the country is allowed to adopt the euro. The pa-per discusses the open issues in the interpretation of this criterion. Finally, the Czech euro adoption strategy is described.

OP 2006_2 Vecernik_0.pdf