How to Abandon the Common Currency in Exchange for a New National Currency

The question of how to leave a monetary union has become an important economic issue during the last few years. Uncertainty relating to its costs tends to discourage political leaders from taking decisive steps towards an exit. This article provides thoughts on what the necessary steps are, what are the associated pitfalls, how they can be overcome, and how can an exit from a currency union be effectively managed to control associated risks and costs. Uninterrupted functioning of the payments system, political response and the solvency of the private and public institutions are shown to be the major determinants of the costs of an exit. Issues of public governance, such as legality of the exit, can become an issue only if political and public support for the exit is lacking.