[PREFACE]. At the start of 1974, the European Commission asked a group of experts in different scientific fields (economists, lawyers,...) to draw up a study on economic and monetary union (EMU). The group of experts, called the "Study Group on Economic and Monetary Union 1980" has met under the chairmanship of Robert Marjolin, former Vice-president of the Commission, in charge of economic and monetary affairs. [From the Introduction]. The report is divided into four chapters. The first draws up a balance sheet of past events and an analysis of the movement towards economic and monetary union. The second deals with the urgent problems which endanger the existence of the European Community. This chapter is followed by a short term programme (Chapter 3), which given the evolution which the Community has undergone in recent years, is still largely devoted to monetary policy. In general, however, this programme can be considered as a test of the political will of the member states's governments. Finally chapter IV examines in greater detail the first steps towards economic and monetary union. Two annexes are added to the report: annex I contains details of the Group's proposal relating to a Community unemployment benefit scheme and which has the agreement of all the members of the Group. Annex II brings together some personal contributions
