The thesis "Over-Indebtedness in the Czech Republic: Problem Analysis and Policy Alternatives" deals with the issue of over-indebtedness of households with regards to consumer loans, specifically in the Czech Republic. Over-indebtedness is currently a very real and serious issue. The author attempts to tackle what is a relatively complex issue. The objective of the thesis is to demonstrate that over-indebtedness is a significant problem and analyse the myriad factors that contribute to it. Finally, possible solutions to the problem are explored. The author exhibits a variety of data to measure over-indebtedness in addition to determining the various causes, namely individual economic factors, such as sudden unemployment, and financial imprudence, which can be attributed to individual psychology or low financial literacy. Additionally, the unfair and even loan-sharking practices adopted by some loan providers and brokers along with the problematic process of debt enforcement, which contribute to over-indebtedness are described in detail. Based on the identified drivers, the thesis proposes specific tools to address the problem, with particular emphasis on regulating providers, and analyses their advantages and disadvantages. Further to the regulatory instruments, the thesis also stresses the need to...

This dissertation consists of three research papers dealing with selected issues relevant for central banks after the global financial crisis. The post-crisis world has seen a significant strengthening of the role of central banks with regard to the financial system as well as the real economy. Correspondingly, agendas of some central bankers have grown substantially, encompassing among others monetary policy, financial stability (macro- and microprudential policies) as well as resolution mechanisms. This dissertation thesis reflects the broad focus of some contemporary central banks in three original research articles that concern current unexplored issues for monetary policy and financial stability in the European Union, the Czech Republic, and the United States, potentially bringing policy implications for the relevant authorities. The first article analyzes inflation convergence in the whole European Union (EU) over 1999-2017 and provides comprehensive and robust evidence that the process of inflation convergence among the countries of the EU was not permanently disrupted during the global financial crisis, the European sovereign debt crisis, or the period of zero lower bound interest rates. Specifically, the convergence process did not noticeably weaken after the crisis and the occurrence of...