The Distribution of Well-Being Among Europeans

63 Pages Posted: 10 Jun 2019

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: May 2019

Abstract

We analyse the evolution of EU citizens' living standards, considering the EU as a single country. Average living standards have improved considerably as the European integration process has unfolded. EU28 income inequality has steadily declined, mostly as a result of the macroeconomic convergence of new EU-accession countries. EU15 income inequality fell steadily until the mid-1980s, but picked up again during the economic turmoil following the Great Recession, largely reflecting the divergence between periphery and core countries in the euro area. Using a common EU standard reveals more progress in terms of poverty reduction. It also shows that the patterns of income convergence across member states differ across categories of residents, thus calling for a more careful consideration of the personal and national dimensions of EU policies.

Keywords: European Union, Euro Area, European integration, income inequality, welfare

JEL Classification: D31, D63, E01, I32

Suggested Citation

Brandolini, Andrea and Rosolia, Alfonso, The Distribution of Well-Being Among Europeans (May 2019). IZA Discussion Paper No. 12350, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3401118 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3401118

Andrea Brandolini (Contact Author)

Bank of Italy ( email )

Via Nazionale 91
Roma, Rome 00184
Italy
+390647923568 (Phone)
+390647923720 (Fax)

Alfonso Rosolia

Bank of Italy ( email )

Via Nazionale 91
00184 Roma
Italy
0039 06 4792 3077 (Phone)

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