The IMF has played an important role in history. It was created to promote international monetary corporations; to facilitate the expansion and balanced growth of international trade; to promote exchange stability; to assist in the establishment of a multilateral system of payment; to make its general resources temporarily available to its members experiencing balance of payment difficulties under adequate safeguards; and to shorten the duration and lessen the degree of disequilibrium in the international balances of payments of members. The IMF came into being in 1944 - - along with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The two were created to oversee stability in international monetary affairs and to facilitate the expansion of world trade. Membership in the World Bank requires membership in the IMF, and they are both specialized agencies of the United Nations. The World Bank was given domain over long term financing for nations in need, while the IMF’s mission was to monitor exchange rates, provide short term financing for balance of payment adjustments, provide a forum for discussion about international monetary concerns, and give technical assistance to member countries. These functions are still generally true of both organizations, although the policies that determine how they are carried out have been modified and amplified over time.
The IMF’s and its current involvement in Europe is what we will focus on. In fact, only a month ago, it was reported that the International Monetary Fund’s regional economic outlook for Europe sees a definitive need for financial sector, fiscal and structural reforms due to financial turbulence, and, in order to sustain growth throughout Europe. The IMF releas ...