Structural Convergence in European Union

Abstract

Estimating structural convergence is a relatively recent topic in specialised literature. Based on the Solow theory of economic growth by stages and on empirical data for European Union we estimated a model to simulate structural changes. Using a set of selected indicators, we analyse the convergence process in the period 2000-2011 at the EU level (EU-27), but also inside of Eastern group of countries (EU-10) and inside of Western group of countries (EU-15). As general conclusion, at the EU level a general tendency of structural convergence was demonstrated. However, between the two groups of countries, there were some different trends in matter of structural convergence.

Keywords

• structural convergence
• Lorenz curve
• divergence